Article in The Times of Israel by Andy Blumenthal: The author criticizes top American universities, Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and MIT, for their moral inaction in condemning Jewish genocide and supporting Hamas terrorists. They argue that their inaction is not serving their First Amendment cause but demonstrates a lack of basic moral values. They urge universities to condemn genocide and terrorism, act in their self-interest, and consider the impact of history on their actions. They urge them to choose the path of goodness, respecting humanity, their well-being, and the Divine judgment that awaits them all.

1. 12/13/23, 9:13 AM The Price of Silence for Harvard and MIT | Andy Blumenthal | The Blogs
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-price-of-silence-for-harvard-and-mit/ 1/6
THE BLOGS
Andy Blumenthal
Leadership With Heart
The Price of Silence for
Harvard and MIT
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2. 12/13/23, 9:13 AM The Price of Silence for Harvard and MIT | Andy Blumenthal | The Blogs
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-price-of-silence-for-harvard-and-mit/ 2/6
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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

3. 12/13/23, 9:13 AM The Price of Silence for Harvard and MIT | Andy Blumenthal | The Blogs
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-price-of-silence-for-harvard-and-mit/ 3/6
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.

4. 12/13/23, 9:13 AM The Price of Silence for Harvard and MIT | Andy Blumenthal | The Blogs
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-price-of-silence-for-harvard-and-mit/ 4/6
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.

5. 12/13/23, 9:13 AM The Price of Silence for Harvard and MIT | Andy Blumenthal | The Blogs
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-price-of-silence-for-harvard-and-mit/ 5/6
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy Blumenthal is a dynamic, award-winning leader who writes frequently about Jewish life, culture, and
security. All opinions are his own.
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6. 12/13/23, 9:13 AM The Price of Silence for Harvard and MIT | Andy Blumenthal | The Blogs
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-price-of-silence-for-harvard-and-mit/ 6/6
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