A truck drove around Harvard University’s campus on Wednesday displaying the names and faces of several students allegedly affiliated with student-groups that co-signed a letter blaming Israel for Hamas’ attack.
The stunt claimed by the conservative media group Accuracy in Media comes after several CEOs have called on Harvard to release the names of students affiliated with groups tied to the controversial letter that solely blamed Israel for the attack.
The billboard called the students “antisemites.”
In a message on X, Hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman called for students to be named so he and other companies don’t hire them.
“One should not be able to hide behind a corporate shield when issuing statements supporting the actions of terrorists,” Ackman wrote.
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In a reply to Ackman, severalCEO’s supported his call to name the students.
“I would like to know so I know never to hire these people,” Jonathan Neman, CEO of restaurant chain Sweetgreen said.
Student groups withdraw signature amid backlash
According to the Harvard Crimson, 34 Harvard student groups initially signed on to the statement originally written by the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee.
“The apartheid regime is the only one to blame,” the statement read.
‘No student group’ speaks on behalf of Harvard
Following the national attention to the statement, the university distanced itself from the remarks.
“Let me also state, on this matter as on others, that while our students have the right to speak for themselves, no student group — not even 30 student groups — speaks for Harvard University or its leadership,” Harvard President Claudine Gay said in a statement on Tuesday.
As of Wednesday, at least eight groups have removed their signatures amid a growing national backlash and the doxing, the Crimson reported. At least four sites have published the names and contact information of students
In a statement to students on Wednesday evening, Harvard Executive Vice President Meredith L. Weenick criticized online intimidation and harassment.”
“I write tonight to assure you that the University takes seriously the safety and wellbeing of every member of our community. We do not condone or ignore intimidation. We do not condone or ignore threats or acts of harassment or violence,” Weenick wrote.
Additionally, Weenick said the Harvard University Police Department will increase its presences on campus as a precautionary measure.
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War in the Middle East
Hundreds of Israelis and Palestinians have been killed, and thousands more have been injured on both sides since Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war after Hamas fighters fired rockets into Israel in a surprise attack.
“We are at war, and we will win it,” Netanyahu said.
Israel then launched retaliatory military strikes into Gaza, levelling buildings. Israel has also tightened a blockade on food, fuel and medicines. Attacks have continued and the death toll on both sides keeps rising.
Read More: Harvard students doxed after letter blaming Israel for Hamas attack
