Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz deeply criticized his alma mater, Harvard University, as well as other “elite” universities whose students have embraced anti-semitic rhetoric and actions in recent weeks.
“Sadly, there are few places on earth with more vicious antisemitism and hatred of Israel than American ‘elite’ universities,” Cruz said in a statement Wednesday. “It’s disgusting, and it’s dangerous. I’m particularly ashamed that student groups from my alma mater, Harvard, blamed Israel for the genocidal war that Hamas terrorists are brutally waging.”
“It is past time for universities to stand up and squarely address the antisemitism that they have been breeding and unleashing, including on their own Jewish students,” the Texas Republican added. “Harvard must decide whether it wants to be a true institution of higher learning or an incubator of bigotry and antisemitism whose students try to rationalize and justify child rape and mass murder.”
Cruz’s remarks accompanied a bicameral letter to Harvard President Claudine Gay expressing outrage and disappointment over a statement made by over 30 Harvard student organizations that blames Israel for the brutal Hamas terrorist attacks and expresses support for Palestine.
Five House Republicans joined Cruz in signing the letter: Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York, Dan Crenshaw of Texas, Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Brian Mast of Michigan, and Mike Crapo of Idaho.
“This statement is abhorrent,” the Republican lawmakers said, “and we demand that you immediately condemn it publicly and clarify that Harvard University strongly opposes this dangerous antisemitism.”
“The leadership at Harvard University should be ashamed,” Stefanik said in a statement earlier this month. “After over thirty Harvard student organizations released an antisemitic statement blaming Israel for Hamas’ vicious terrorist attacks it took Harvard President Claudine Gay three days to even condemn Hamas’ attacks.”
“Harvard leadership has still not denounced the students’ statement, this is morally sickening,” she added. “Any voice that can defend the raping, killing, and kidnapping of innocent women and children has chosen the side of terrorism. I am proud to lead my colleagues and fellow Harvard alumni in demanding better from our alma mater.”
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