Harvard Officials Met With Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, Used Info From Online Monitoring System

Harvard President Alan M. Garber ’76 said the University has benefited from the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism’s tools to track antisemitism on social media at the annual Harvard Business School Shabbat Dinner with New England Patriots owner Robert K. Kraft.

Garber said that Kraft’s company, which monitors social media sites for posts about Judaism, Israel, and antisemitism, has provided “invaluable” information to universities like Harvard. He added that University officials met with FCAS to learn about the organization’s work.

“We’ve particularly benefited from his work to combat antisemitism,” Garber said at the Feb. 28 Shabbat dinner. “The work of this organization is extraordinary, not only in bringing antisemitism to the attention of the world, but in actually gathering data and information to pinpoint where it is a huge issue, to pinpoint trends.”

“For people like us, who actually think every day about what we actually to do improve the situation, this kind of information is invaluable,” Garber added.

Garber did not say whether Harvard had itself employed the software FCAS offers to track antisemitism, and a Harvard spokesperson did not answer questions about the University’s relationship with FCAS.

Kraft created the foundation in 2019 “better synthesize what hate looks like online.” The company publishes periodic reports about trends in online discussion of antisemitism, and includes a section on its website specifically dedicated to monitoring data from colleges and universities.

FCAS markets its monitoring tools to university administrators. According to the company’s website, “FCAS provides custom data to university presidents on the online conversations happening related to their campus.

“Understanding what students, faculty, and others are saying when it comes to Jewish hate, Judaism, and Israel is a critical step in effectively engaging with these issues,” the website reads.

University spokesperson Jason A. Newton wrote in an emailed statement that officials “have met with representatives of FCAS to learn about their approach to the vital work of standing up to antisemitism and hate.”

FCAS did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the organization’s involvement with Harvard.

— Staff writer Ayaan Ahmad can be reached at ayaan.ahmad@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @AyaanAhmad2024.

—Staff writer Graham W. Lee can be reached at graham.lee@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @grahamwonlee.