So, @Harvard’s president, Claudine Gay, now apologizes for her cowardly testimony in Congress, when she - repeatedly - refused to say if calling for the genocide of Jews would violate Harvard's policies.
She now says “I am sorry,” in an interview with @thecrimson, adding that yes, “words matter.”
Gay: "What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community — threats to our Jewish students — have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged."
But why was she unable to say this at the time? She had plenty of chances. Why did it take such widespread outrage and pressure for her to act? And what actual, meaningful and tangible actions will Harvard take now?
We need actions, not empty promises.
This is too little, too late. She ought to resign immediately and a leader who is able to return Harvard to its place as pre-eminent center of higher education and unwavering in combating antisemitism, take over!
I have to say something right now because I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t. For years, I spoke up for the people of Palestine and their right to self-determination and to live in peace. For years, nobody cared. For years, Iranians have spoken up against their terrorism and brutality at the hands of the IRGC. For years, nobody cared. For years I had felt we shared the same unnerving struggle, which is the world’s indifference to the loss of our lives. Over the past week, however, I’ve seen something that I’m ashamed to say I had never seen before and I can’t believe what it took for me to see it. When Jews are murdered, the world is not just indifferent. Instead, the world rejoices. It celebrates. This is a type of depravity no people should ever have to endure, especially given the barbaric history of persecution since time immemorial. To the Jewish community, you are my brothers and sisters. I am so sorry that I let you down. I am so sorry that you screamed about it for years and I didn’t hear you. I am so sorry I didn’t stand up with you. I am so sorry I pretended not to see the flagrant and hateful anti-semitism. But my eyes are open and I see you now. I hear you. I’m with you, and I promise to never let you down again.
@SarahKSilverman I actually met your sister on a Kibbutz once. I hope she is ok. When I thought of Kibbutzniks, she was the first person I was praying for!
On Mother’s Day let’s remind women it’s not a badge of honor to put other people first and neglect yourself. Let’s remind women self respect means your needs matter, too. The ‘Good mothers can do it all’ era is over and the ‘Good mothers model clear boundaries’ era has begun. May we raise women who are fully comfortable with disappointing people, saying no, and who confidently leave spaces where all they’re offered is emotional breadcrumbs.
If you told 10 year old me that one day I would carry around a tiny computer I would use to regularly “instant message” my mom, dad and brother from, I would strike you over the head call you a liar!