The Price of Silence for Harvard and MIT

This week, looking out over the beautiful Florida coast, I keep thinking about the shocking declaration of our top universities last week: Jewish “genocide” isn’t necessarily a violation of the university code of conduct; it depends on the “context.” The words stunned Congress, the nation, and the world, as we learned Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and MIT, considered the cream of the crop of American university education, are totally morally bankrupt. I remain incredulous that none of these leaders had the integrity to step out of their canned script and condemn Hamas and its supporters on campus.

Fortunately, after a national outcry, the University of Pennsylvania did the right thing, despite its initial reluctance. Both Liz Magill, its president, and Scott Bok, the chair of its board of trustees, stepped down.

Why haven’t Claudia Gay and Sally Kornbluth, the presidents of Harvard and MIT, respectively, done the same? These leaders have not only disgraced our nation, but they also showed clear support for an internationally recognized terror group that openly commits the most brutal of crimes in open daylight, and even films themselves in the act.

Harvard and MIT’s stubbornness and inaction are not serving their avowed “First Amendment” cause. Just the opposite: People can see that they lack the most basic moral values. I urge them to do the right thing, and there are three main reasons why this is crucial.

First and foremost, morally, it is always the right choice to condemn terrorism. Violence and intimidation of civilians is wrong, no matter the perpetrator, and can never be justified, no matter what the “context.” Additionally, and I cannot believe I even have to write these words: Promoting the genocide of any group, including Jews or any other community, is a horrific act that should never be tolerated.

If they don’t feel motivated by morality, they might think about acting in their own self-interest. The world is watching, Congress is paying attention, and people both in the US and internationally are noticing their disregard for reason and justice. Consequences such as boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against these institutions and their leaders may have already started—the same campaigns that some of their own students have promoted against Israel to wipe her out economically. Their unethical behavior is an incitement to terror, has already seriously harmed their universities’ reputations, and will no doubt have significant financial consequences.

Lastly, I urge them to think about how history will view their behavior. History carefully records every action, big or small, and will not only judge them personally but also influence future generations. It’s important to recognize that one’s actions, or lack thereof, will not only be evaluated by the court of public opinion, but also by God Almighty. God, who oversees the destiny of nations and holds every soul accountable, will pass judgment on their involvement in tacitly endorsing Jewish genocide and supporting Hamas terrorism—both violations against humanity and the sacredness of life.

In conclusion, I strongly urge Harvard and MIT, for these three vital reasons, to think about the seriousness of the situation and make the correct decision. I pray that they choose the path of goodness, not only to preserve the integrity and continuity of their institutions but also out of respect for humanity, their own self-interest, the view of history, and the Divine judgment that awaits us all.