Amid Antisemitism Concerns, Harvard To Co-Host Jewish Grad Celebration for First Time

For the first time in University history, Harvard will co-host Hillel’s affinity celebration for Jewish students at this year’s graduation ceremonies.

The addition comes after six months of sustained national criticism over Harvard’s handling of antisemitism on campus, culminating in the resignation of former President Claudine Gay. The University is currently under investigation by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce over allegations of antisemitism.

Amid the firestorm, some prominent critics — including right-wing activist Christopher F. Rufo — took aim at the University for holding affinity celebrations for other marginalized groups but none for Jewish students, calling it symptomatic of broader issues around Harvard’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

“Harvard provided racially segregated ‘affinity group’ celebrations at its commencement event earlier this year,” Rufo said in a Dec. 14 X post, which was amplified by X owner Elon Musk. “Whites and Jews were the only groups not provided with celebrations.”

Though Hillel has hosted unofficial graduation celebrations for years, this will be the first year in which the event is formally recognized — and organized — by the University.

Hillel Campus Rabbi Getzel Davis said the event comes after a “terribly difficult” year for Jewish and Israeli students.

“We should have been having these affinity graduations for just as long as there have been affinity groups, and it’s a little worrisome that no one has thought about this until this year,” he said.

Due to safety concerns, Davis said the celebration will be held at Hillel, the University’s Jewish center.

“We are going to be gathered in the Hillel building, which is because of us looking for safety,” he said. “So many events have been disrupted over the past year — years. We’re going to hopefully have members of the administration there.”

The affinity celebrations — which take place the same week as the general commencement in May — serve as supplementary events where students can commemorate graduation and their various identities. Other celebrations include disability awareness, global indigenous graduates, first generation and low income, among others.

The University also introduced the first-ever affinity celebration for Asian American, Pacific Islanders and Desi-American students in 2022, following advocacy efforts from student organizers.

Sherri A. Charleston — Harvard's chief diversity and inclusion officer — wrote in a statement to The Crimson that the University is “proud to support the efforts of our students who organize these events open to the entire Harvard community.”

The affinity celebrations are open to all students and often feature speakers, merchandise giveaways, and performances.

Graduate School of Education student Moriah R. Lit said she was “thrilled” to hear about the Jewish commencement celebration.

“It gives us a special place to really celebrate and uplift the Jewish voices in our community, and have family or friends come and share the joy of graduation,” she said.

Lit said that because Harvard general commencement allows a very limited number of guests, the “secondary ceremony” allows friends and family to recognize their students’ accomplishments.

Kris King ’24, who helps plan the Lavender celebration for LGBTQ+ and the Disability celebration, called the events “crucial.”

“We have students who have a variety of experiences, who share commonalities throughout their time at Harvard and come from backgrounds that deserve to be celebrated and recognized,” they said.

—Staff writer Sally E. Edwards can be reached at sally.edwards@thecrimson.com. Follow her on X @sallyedwards04 or on Threads @sally_edwards06.

—Staff writer Asher J. Montgomery can be reached at asher.montgomery@thecrimson.com Follow her on X @asherjmont or on Threads @asher_montgomery.