The Trump administration’s ongoing attempts to combat antisemitism at Harvard University have taken a controversial turn. The administration has threatened to revoke a crucial certification, potentially jeopardizing the enrollment of international students at one of the country’s top academic institutions. Ironically, this move may endanger the very Jewish students from Israel that the government professes to protect.
Noga Marmor, a Jewish doctoral student from Israel at Harvard, expressed her frustrations with this development. She remarked, “I find it incredibly ironic that my visa is now under threat because I criticize my own government and that this is somehow presented as a measure to protect Jewish and Israeli students. I think anyone with some common sense can see that it’s a farce.”
At Harvard’s commencement ceremony, the looming revocation of certifications was a recurring theme in speeches, including one from Harvard President Alan Garber. On the same day, a federal judge issued a temporary block on the administration’s move, providing a momentary reprieve for the students affected.
Harvard hosts approximately 27% international students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. According to Rabbi Jason Rubenstein, around 250 Israeli students are currently enrolled, with most of them at risk of losing their place due to the certification revocation. Many of those students are also veterans of the Israel Defense Forces, making them vocal and passionate advocates for Israel on campus.
The growing uncertainty has left these students exploring alternatives, such as job opportunities with startups in Tel Aviv. Rubenstein noted, “In theory, Harvard’s alumni could make up any funding cuts in the federal government… but there’s no way around the visas.”
Ophir Averbuch, another Jewish doctoral student from Israel, mentioned that while he has not felt threatened while at Harvard, the scrutiny of his visa status has created a sense of vulnerability. “A lot of us are now like feeling obviously unsafe because we’re worried that we will get picked up by ICE or something,” Averbuch said.
He criticized the campus protests surrounding the war in Gaza, suggesting they have crossed lines of insensitivity. However, he clarified that he has not personally experienced antisemitism. Averbuch’s future at Harvard remains uncertain, as he contemplates other academic programs in Europe while still signing leases in Cambridge.
The current climate raises his concerns about the long-term implications for Harvard and higher education in the U.S. “It’s as bad arguably for the academia in the U.S. as it is for the individuals of us who will have to find other solutions. Because a lot of us will be able to find other solutions,” Averbuch stated.
In stark contrast, Genia Lukin, a third-year Israeli doctoral student, has directly faced antisemitism at Harvard, which she describes as a severe issue. After transferring from Duke University, she quickly found herself in the midst of a politically charged campus environment, often feeling that she must serve as a political activist in addition to being a student.
Holding vigils for Israeli hostages, Lukin has encountered hostility, facing verbal confrontations where people expressed that Israelis “deserve” violence. She claims that discussions often stray into wild conspiracy theories blaming Israel for events like the September 11 attacks. Despite Harvard’s efforts to address antisemitism, Lukin feels that Jewish students are often unfairly scrutinized without others being held accountable.
While Lukin awaits the outcome of the court case regarding visa certifications, she’s aware of the challenges she may face if forced to leave Harvard. Returning to Israel with her husband and cats is one option she considers, but she is hopeful that the legal situation will resolve favorably.
Marmor is similarly concerned about the broader implications of the Trump administration’s actions, which she perceives as detrimental to free speech and democracy. “It’s a horrific attack against free speech and against democracy that weaponizes antisemitism for political purposes,” Marmor remarked. Despite her active participation in protests related to the Gaza conflict, Marmor feels unfairly targeted, stating, “If I were to be in Israel at that time, I would have protested there.”
She came to Harvard not only to pursue her doctoral degree but also to take advantage of the university’s rich resources. Marmor emphasizes that the connection between antisemitism and the admission of international students is fundamentally flawed. “Not allowing international students at Harvard is not some minor issue. It will destroy not just Harvard. It will destroy higher education in the United States because science and the production of knowledge in general, by nature, are transnational or international,” she cautioned.
As the situation continues to unfold, many international students at Harvard are left grappling with their future in the U.S. Initial efforts to confront antisemitism at the university might inadvertently exacerbate the very issues they aim to solve. The repercussions could extend far beyond the walls of Harvard, impacting the landscape of higher education across the nation.
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