Standing by a large menorah at Harvard’s Widener Library, Rabbi Hirschy Zarchi of Harvard Chabad delivered a passionate speech criticizing the university’s stance on antisemitism, on Wednesday night, Gabby Deutch reported for JewishInsider.com.
Speaking in front of Harvard President Claudine Gay, Rabbi Zarchi emphasized the difficulties faced by Jewish students, citing a climate of fear and security concerns, especially after hosting a footage screening of the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel that drew criticism.
Rabbi Zarchi also disclosed a disheartening aspect: Harvard’s demand that he remove the menorah at night due to fears of vandalism, despite its religious and historical significance.
“You know what happens to the menorah? After everyone leaves the Yard, we’re gonna pack it up. We have to hide it somewhere,” Rabbi Zarchi said. Harvard “would not allow us to leave the menorah here overnight, because there’s fear that it’ll be vandalized.”
This removal symbolized a lack of acceptance or safety for Jewish symbols on campus. He called for a transformative shift, advocating for a campus where such symbols can be openly displayed without fear of reprisal.
During his speech, President Gay, accompanied by her husband, listened without making any public comments. She has been heavily criticized for refusing to tell a congressional hearing that calling for the genocide of Jews was against Harvard policy.
However, she participated in the ceremonial lighting of the menorah’s shamash, which marks the seventh night of Chanukah.
Rabbi Zarchi urged her to take a more vocal stance against antisemitism, encouraging active support for the Jewish community on campus.
VIDEO:
Why would a Chabad host such a person to light a Menorah?
I get the emotions of it but she is still the president and it’s on her campus that’s one. And I can’t see chabad rejecting her in that manner because where there is an opportunity to take action and make change e.g spread light in the FACE of darkness that’s where chabad houses thrive. This isn’t a position of her acceptance just a reality
Publicity?
Trying to be politically correct?
Pandering to those in power?
Your 100% right, The Congress passed a measure demanding her resignation over her defense of public calls for another HOLOCAUST of the Jews on Campus while at the same moment Rabbi Zarchi was honoring President Gay with lighting the Shamesh of the Chanukah Menorah.
Chabad is not a political organization.
Chabad is A political, that means if the president of Harvard is in attendance, you would ask her to light because she runs the institution.
She actually didn’t light the menorah. She lit the Shamash with words of encouragement from Rabbi H Zarchi to be a true Shamesh and light the world with positivity justice and truthfulness.
She’s number one Anti semite at Harvard!!
Why would you invite her to the Chanukah lighting?
So he can PUBLICLY speak directly to her, and let her know she’s the problem.
Rabbi Zarchi is incredible!
With all the criticism and pressure he is getting he put himself and own feelings aside and did what was best for the Jewish students at his university.
Takes so much courage dedication and selflessness. Much respect.
How can it possibly be best for the Jewish students to host the president of their school after she made it very clear that she has no intention of protecting Jewish students from hatred.
Fire her!
Excellent speech!
He spoke so well. I hope this video goes public.
Kol HaKavod Rabbi Zarchi! Fighting darkness and turning it to light. You face a challenging mission.
May you be Matzliach!
Moshiach Now
Again, the “considerate” and “well-meaning” people tell us to remove the symbols of our religion, for our “safety” and for fear that we will be harmed or that the symbols will be vandalized. It has absolutely nothing to do with antisemitism, for they are totally in favor of free-speech and expression (sarcasm). I would have hoped, after all that has transpired, that this president would have openly declared that the Menorah would be displayed in the yard all night shining brightly, and that the school would ensure that no harm came to it. But alas, no. It is just another… Read more »
And we will continue turning the DARK into LIGHT
Naase Venishma
Now it is not time to Understand
This is a Moment in our life were Hashem is looking down at us and expecting full performance from HIS ARMY to accomplish THE DIVINE PLAN
Stay Strong
Am Yisroel Chai for eternity
NOW ,Let all United be part of it
We will see Miracle taking place at every step of the way
At what expense !!!
Maybe look at Zarchi’s Web page instagram
98% negative comments
Get real
As angry, hurt, frustrated as we are, it’s wise to follow this Rabbi’s example of speaking and acting with dignity and respect and holding out the olive branch to influential people.
You’re dead wrong! Anti semitism – Jew hatred should be condemned and berated. At best she should have been ignored from being given an honor.
THE ONLY THING THATS DISTURBING IS CLAUDINE GAY IS STILL IN HER JOB! THATS THE CONTEXT! SHE IS AN UTTER DISGRACE!
Washington DC wasn’t afraid of vandalism when they painted Black Lives Matter on the public streets ( which was vandalized), so why shouldn’t Harvard also make a statement by showing solidarity with the Jewish community and allowing a menorah to be displayed 24/7.. Black Lives Matter Plaza – Wikipedia The Dean of Harvard, made a compromising political move by not SPEAKING OUTfor an overnight menorah display, for fears there would be anti-semitic vandalism. What’s next, should students tuck in their Star of David or wear a baseball cap instead of a yarmulka to help Harvard avoid bad press? Harvard should… Read more »
The proper response from Harvard should have been, “we will have a guard stationed next to the menorah to protect it overnight.” And THAT is what Zarchi should have demanded from Gay.
The above comment should be corrected to reference the President of Harvard, Claudine Gay, instead of the Dean of Harvard.
Harvard covered up secret plagiarism probe into president Claudine Gay during antisemitism storm — threatened The Post (msn.com)
Jay S
That was an amazing speech! Fire! Spitting straight facts! So much guts! The Rebbe is so proud! Telling the dean in her face that we need to be proud! One of my all time favorite speeches, hands down! Rabbi Z is the goat!
There is a story with a Shliach that was having major issues with a
Horrible Menagid to ChaBaD.
Through the Rebbes instructions he overcame the obstacles etc.
A while later the Shliach made a dinner / function. The Rebbe advised him to invite that Menagid and honor him respectfully.
Sorry I don’t remember all the details. The punch line is of essence.