Mocobizscene – The co-chair of a Harvard University task force dedicated to combating antisemitism has resigned after only one month in the position, the Ivy League school has said.
Alan Garber, Harvard’s interim president, formed the task force in January following the departure of his predecessor, Claudine Gay, in response to a strong backlash over her comments at a congressional hearing on on-campus antisemitism. Professor Raffaella Sadun, who led the task team for about five weeks, is being replaced, the institution revealed Sunday.
“Professor Sadun has expressed her desire to refocus her efforts on her research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities at HBS [Harvard Business School],” Garber said in a written statement. He stated that he is “extremely grateful” for Sadun’s efforts in recent weeks. “Her insights and passion for this work have helped shape the mandate for the task force and how it can best productively advance the important work ahead,” he said. “She has advanced our efforts to be a stronger, more inclusive Harvard, and for that, we owe her our deep thanks.”
Sadun stated in her statement that she is “grateful to have had the opportunity to help advance the vital work to combat antisemitism” and that Garber has assembled an “excellent task force.” “I will continue to support efforts to tackle antisemitism at Harvard in any way I can from my faculty position,” she said.
Derek Penslar, a professor of Jewish history, served as co-chair of the task force, which began operations on January 19. Penslar’s appointment sparked debate since some detractors objected to some of his earlier comments on Israel and antisemitism.
Before Hamas’ Oct. 7 strikes in Israel, Penslar signed an open letter decrying Israel’s “long-standing occupation” that has “yielded a regime of apartheid.” In January, he also told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that Harvard “does have a problem with antisemitism,” but that “outsiders” had exaggerated the extent of the problem.
While some critics, such as economist Larry Summers, deemed Penslar’s selection as co-chair of the task committee to be “highly problematic,” a letter from Jewish leaders from all over the nation supporting his appointment cited his “virtually unparalleled” depth of knowledge regarding antisemitism.
Penslar will continue in his position, but law professor Jared Ellias will take over as Sadun’s co-chair of the task force.
