Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The non-profit organization The Wexner Foundation recently cut ties with Harvard University accused the world’s top campus of being indifferent to Hamas’ attacks on Israel, and instead allowing their students to voice support for Palestine.
The Wexner Foundation itself was founded by pAmerican businessman Lexlie Wexner and his wife Abigail. Wexner has a business empire that includes Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret and La Senza under the L Brands banner.
The following are a number of facts about Wexner’s support for Israel quoted from CNN International:
1. Wexner Foundation stops donating to Harvard
After cutting ties with Harvard, the Wexner Foundation will no longer be a donor to the campus. In fact, previously they were one of Harvard’s largest donors.
“We are shocked and disgusted by the failure of Harvard leadership to take a clear and unequivocal stance against the barbaric murder of innocent Israeli civilians,” said Wexner Foundation leaders, as quoted by CNN InternationalThursday (23/11/2023).
“The values we espouse are no longer in line with Harvard.”
2. Wexner accused Harvard of discriminating against Israelis
Wexner alleged, in recent years Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is no longer a safe place to voice diverse perspectives. And because of it, Wexner’s colleagues feel like their voices are being silenced.
“Many of our Israeli colleagues no longer feel marginalized at HKS,” the statement said. “They feel abandoned.”
3. The Wexner Foundation’s mission supports the Jewish community
The Wexner Foundation says its mission is to support and inspire leaders of the North American Jewish and Israeli communities through programs and scholarships for brilliant professionals.
The foundation has close ties to Harvard, supporting a scholarship program at the Kennedy School of Government that allows government and public service professionals in Israel to study at Harvard for one year.
4. Response from Harvard
Responding to this incident, representatives from the Harvard Kennedy School referred to statements by the President of Harvard, Claudine Gay, and the Dean of the Kennedy School, Doug Elmendorf, who said that the university rejects all forms of cruelty and terrorism.
“People ask me where we stand. So, let me be clear. Our university rejects terrorism, including the barbaric atrocities committed by Hamas,” Gay said.
“Our university rejects hatred, including hatred against Jews, hatred against Muslims, hatred against any group of people based on their religion, national origin, or any aspect of their identity,” Gay continued.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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