Several college student organizations in the United States that initially signed an open letter justifying the actions of Hamas in its war against Israel have withdrawn their support after facing intense backlash. The letter, released by the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC), was co-signed by over 30 student organizations and placed blame on the Israeli regime for the violence. The surprise attack launched by Hamas on October 7 resulted in numerous casualties, sparking widespread condemnation. Critics argue that regardless of opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it does not justify the atrocities committed by Hamas.
Following the backlash, five organizations, including the Harvard Undergraduate Nepali Student Association, Harvard College Act on a Dream, Amnesty International at Harvard, and the Harvard Islamic Society, have retracted their support for the letter. The Harvard Undergraduate Ghungroo also issued a statement apologizing for signing the letter and condemning the “massacre propagated by the terrorist organization Hamas.” The PSC later concealed the organizations that signed the letter, citing concerns over harassment of students. They also canceled a planned vigil to mourn all innocent lives lost.
One Harvard student, Danielle Mikaelian, publicly apologized and resigned from her role in a board member position within an organization that signed the letter. She revealed that none of the group members had even read the letter before signing, and they have since withdrawn their support. Former Harvard University President Lawrence H. Summers acknowledged that many individuals who approved the statement did not fully understand its contents and stressed the need to avoid vilification.
Harvard President Claudine Gay issued her own statement condemning the actions of Hamas, and at least 250 faculty members signed an open letter criticizing Hamas while also expressing disappointment with Harvard’s response. They believe that the situation could have been a valuable teaching moment to emphasize that certain acts, such as war crimes, are unequivocally wrong.