Jewish Democrat Sues Harvard Over Antisemitism, Endorses Trump

Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Jewish Democrat, is suing Harvard University over antisemitism experienced on campus. He has previously supported Democratic candidates but has now decided to endorse Donald Trump for the 2024 election, citing a lack of action from the Biden-Harris administration regarding Jewish civil rights. Kestenbaum argues that Trump has proposed practical solutions, such as withholding federal funds from universities that violate Jewish students' rights and supporting Israel against Hamas. Kestenbaum's frustration stems from his attempts to engage with the Harris campaign and Democratic leadership, which he feels have ignored the concerns of Jewish students. He noted that during his testimony before Congress, many Democratic leaders were absent, and the focus was diverted to other issues rather than addressing antisemitism. This lack of attention has led him to believe that the Democratic Party is not adequately representing the interests of American Jewry. Despite his endorsement of Trump, Kestenbaum remains a registered Democrat and hopes to influence his party's direction. He expressed concern over the increasing anti-Israel rhetoric within the party and questioned the commitment of Democratic leaders to support Israel. Kestenbaum believes that Jewish Americans will play a crucial role in the upcoming election and that Trump's outreach to the Jewish community has been more effective than that of the Harris campaign. Kestenbaum's case against Harvard highlights the broader issue of antisemitism on college campuses, which he argues is being overlooked by political leaders. He emphasizes the need for serious discussions and actions to combat antisemitism, particularly in light of the current political climate and the upcoming election.