A Story of Courage, Faith, and the Fight Against Antisemitism

Recently, JCHS had the honor of hosting an inspiring speaker, Shabbos Kestenbaum. A Harvard alumnus, Shabbos shared his powerful story about his ongoing lawsuit against Harvard University, focusing on the antisemitism he experienced there. His speech was both moving and eye-opening, shedding light on the challenges Jewish students face on campus.

Shabbos recounted the harassment he and other Jewish students endured, from being verbally attacked to facing physical threats while simply trying to attend their classes. He spoke passionately about his love for his community and his unwavering commitment to fighting for justice. The horrific acts of antisemitism he witnessed at Harvard motivated him to take legal action. His hope is that his lawsuit will end the unfair treatment of Jewish students at the university and promote positive change across campuses nationwide.

Since October 7th, Shabbos had been forced to deal with constant security measures, including being accompanied by bodyguards for an entire week. This served as a stark reminder of the danger and discrimination he faced simply for being Jewish. Despite these challenges, Shabbos remained steadfast in his commitment to his faith and identity.

One of the most powerful moments of his speech occurred when he recounted his appearance at the Republican Convention. When asked if he had any special requests, Shabbos insisted that his kippah be visible on camera. He wanted to send a message to every Jewish student, especially those on college campuses, to never hide their Jewish identity. He aimed to show the world that he was proud of who he was and that he would not be intimidated into concealing his faith.

Shabbos Kestenbaum's visit to our school was a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and hatred, while proudly embracing our identity as Jews. His courage and determination should inspire all of us to never back down in the face of adversity.

By Ava Cheplowitz