Shabbos Kestenbaum, a 25-year-old Orthodox Jew and graduate of Harvard Divinity School, spoke at the Milwaukee Republican National Convention in July 2024. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Kestenbaum discussed how his faith has provided solace and strength during difficult times, including his recent lawsuit against Harvard University for failing to combat antisemitism. Following an increase in antisemitism after Hamas attacks in Israel, Kestenbaum said he has never been more proud to be Jewish and has experienced harassment and death threats for his beliefs.
Kestenbaum’s strong connection to Israel, where he has relatives, prompted him to pursue religious studies after completing a program at Aish in Jerusalem. He was disappointed by Harvard’s teaching on Israel, which he felt focused solely on negative aspects like settler colonialism and genocide, rather than the land’s significance to Judaism. Kestenbaum emphasized the importance of honoring Jewish historical and ancestral ties to Israel, especially in the face of rising antisemitism on college campuses and beyond.
Referencing the Seventeenth of Tammuz fast day and Passover, Kestenbaum highlighted incidents of antisemitism on Harvard’s campus, where students shouted slogans erasing Jewish connections to Israel and calling for violence against Jews. He criticized Harvard for not addressing this antisemitism adequately and discussed the escalation of hate speech following the resignation of Claudine Gay as Harvard’s president. Kestenbaum stressed the need to combat discrimination against the Jewish community and urged people to engage with Jewish individuals, pray for their safety, and advocate for oppressed populations.
In response to Harvard’s motion to dismiss his lawsuit, Kestenbaum reiterated his commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety of Jewish students at the university. He expressed gratitude for the prayers and support from delegates at the RNC, who shared concerns about antisemitism in their communities. Kestenbaum encouraged people to reject negative stereotypes about Jewish individuals and engage with them to foster understanding and solidarity. He emphasized the importance of advocating for the release of hostages and standing against discrimination, believing in a shared destiny that connects people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Kestenbaum’s experience as a proud Orthodox Jew and activist against antisemitism highlights the challenges faced by Jewish communities in combating discrimination and hate speech. His advocacy for religious freedom and respect for Jewish historical ties to Israel underscores the need for education and dialogue to promote understanding and tolerance. Kestenbaum’s call for support through prayers and advocacy reflects a broader commitment to justice and solidarity among diverse communities, recognizing the shared destiny that unites individuals against discrimination and bigotry.
