Wexner Foundation Severs Ties with Harvard University over Hamas' Terror Attacks

Published about 1 year ago
  Pexels

The Wexner Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by former Victoria’s Secret billionaire Leslie Wexner and his wife Abigail, has severed its ties with Harvard University. The foundation, whose aim is to develop and inspire leaders in the North American Jewish community and Israel, accuses Harvard of failing to take a firm stand against Hamas’ terror attacks against Israel.

Accusations against Harvard University

The Wexner Foundation alleges that Harvard’s leaders have been “tiptoeing” over the terror attacks by Hamas. The foundation’s decision to terminate its relationship and financial support for Harvard comes amid growing criticism from donors who were perturbed by the university’s initial response to the attacks and to an anti-Israel statement issued by student groups.

In a letter to the Harvard board of overseers, the Wexner Foundation’s leaders expressed their shock and disappointment at Harvard’s leadership for not taking a clear stand against the murders of innocent Israeli civilians. The letter further criticized a statement released by a coalition of student groups that blamed Israel solely for the terror attacks.

Lasting Implications

The decision by the Wexner Foundation, whose fortune is estimated to be $6 billion according to Forbes, could have lasting implications. The foundation has deep ties with Harvard, supporting a fellowship program at the Kennedy School of Government that allows government and public service professionals in Israel to study at Harvard for a year.

In the wake of the foundation’s decision, Harvard’s leadership reiterated their condemnation of both the attacks against Israel and terrorism. However, the Wexner Foundation maintains that the Harvard Kennedy School is no longer a “compatible” partner for its organization.

Other Donors Withdraw Support

The Wexner Foundation is not alone in its criticism. Last week, Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and his wife Batia quit a Harvard executive board in protest of how university leaders responded to the Hamas terror attack on Israel.

Harvard University has been attempting to quell the growing criticism. University President Claudine Gay released a video statement affirming the institution’s stand against terrorism, hate crimes, and harassment or intimidation based on beliefs. However, this has done little to assuage the concerns of the Wexner Foundation which feels that tolerance for diverse perspectives at Harvard has perceptibly narrowed over the years.

In their letter, the foundation stated, “Many of our Israel Fellows no longer feel marginalized at HKS. They feel abandoned.” This sentiment is likely to be echoed by others and could potentially have a broader impact on the university’s reputation and relationships with donors.

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