MEF Dispatch: The Roots of Harvard’s Jewish Problem

пятница, 17 апреля 2026 г.

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The Roots of Harvard’s Jewish Problem

By Winfield Myers ● Apr 17, 2026

Smart Brevity® count: 6.5 mins...1723 words

Of the Trump administration’s lawsuit against Harvard University for its failure to curb its rampant antisemitism, A.J. Caschetta writes that Harvard’s “deliberate indifference” to this ingrained bigotry began long before October 7, and it will take more than a lawsuit to correct the problem. Dexter Van Zile analyzes the “Hijabi Brigades”—veiled Muslim women who attack Israel and the West while ignoring the suffering of women in Muslim-majority environments.

Also included is the work of Marilyn Stern, Giulio Meotti, Jules Gomes, and Michael Rubin, among others.

The Roots of Harvard’s Jewish Problem

The Trump administration announced on March 20 that it is suing Harvard University for failing to curb its rampant antisemitism.  Image: AI
By: A.J. Caschetta

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University, accusing it of fostering a campus climate rife with antisemitism since October 7.

Federal demands: On April 11, 2025, federal agencies issued a mandate to Harvard President Alan Garber, demanding audits of departments fueling antisemitic harassment.

  • They specifically targeted the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Near Eastern Languages, and the Divinity School, labeling them as Harvard’s “unholy Trinity of Jew Hatred.”

DOJ’s accusations: The Department of Justice claims Harvard violated the Civil Rights Act by failing to discipline antisemitic protests.

  • The university is accused of siding with protesters, ignoring policy breaches, and rewarding misconduct.

Controversial support: Harvard University Police Chief Victor A. Clay allegedly supported protesters hostile to Jewish students, breaking enforcement rules.

  • His actions are seen as undermining the safety of Jewish students, with no threat of arrest for the protesters.

To read the full article, click here.

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Hijabi Brigade Silences Critics of Jihadist Violence

Not every member of the Hijabi Brigade is an Islamist, but its members provide cover for Islamist violence against women and non-Muslims throughout the world.
By: Dexter Van Zile

Anyone who has spent any time at anti-Israel and anti-American protests since October 7 has seen them: the veiled Muslim women who inveigh against Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza and the “Islamophobia” they have endured while living in Western democracies. They are led by figures like Nerdeen Kiswani.

Kiswani’s rhetoric: The Palestinian-American activist labels Israel’s defense actions as “genocide” and dismisses Hamas atrocities as lies.

  • Her narrative aligns with groups endorsing violence, while Western feminists rally around her anti-Israel stance.

Spotlight on U.S. leaders: Figures like Linda Sarsour and Sameerah Munshi have historically led similar movements, often masked under the guise of “Islamophobia” activism.

  • Their efforts deflect attention from genuine women’s rights issues in Muslim-majority regions.

International reach: European groups like MAGIC amplify the brigade’s influence, framing criticism of Islamism as hate speech.

  • This tactic silences discourse on the broader abuse of women, diverting focus from pressing global issues.

To read the full article, click here.

Judith Miller on Dhimmitude and the Politics of Accommodation

MEF Podcast with Judith Miller on Dhimmitude and the politics of accommodation
By: Marilyn Stern

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Judith Miller, speaking on an MEF podcast, highlights Bat Ye’or’s insights on the consequences of Muslim migration into Europe, which have proven prophetic.

Daughter of the Nile: Bat Ye’or, a.k.a. Giselle Littman, an Egyptian-born Jew expelled from Egypt, introduced the term “dhimmitude” to describe the second-class status of Jews and Christians under Islamic rule.

  • Her nom de plume means “Daughter of the Nile.” Her works, including Eurabia, foresaw Europe’s cultural transformation and rising antisemitism.

Backlash predicted: Ye’or warned of European policies fueling Islamist influence and antisemitism, leading to public backlash.

  • Countries like Hungary and Denmark now take measures against migrants, reflecting a growing resistance to cultural shifts.

U.S. parallels: While the U.S. faces similar pressures, its Jewish activism and democratic traditions offer resilience.

  • The rise of antisemitism on campuses highlights a need for educational reform to uphold democracy and combat biased narratives.

Conclusion: Bat Ye’or’s warnings urge Western societies to reaffirm their democratic values and address cultural challenges with informed vigilance.

To read the full summary and watch the podcast, click here.

Will All of Europe Soon Be a No-Go Wasteland?

Three Muslim women go shopping in Molenbeek Market, Brussels, Belgium. Molenbeek has become infamous for Islamic terrorism; Oct. 5, 2018.  Shutterstock
By: Giulio Meotti

The unchecked influx of Muslim migrants across Europe has led to the rise of no-go zones, challenging the continent’s social fabric.

Marseille’s reality: A TV scene shows a Muslim man confronting a Frenchman for smoking during Ramadan, exemplifying the cultural clashes.

  • Former President Hollande warns of “secession” in these neighborhoods dominated by migrants.

Political warnings: Reports from the New Direction Foundation highlight “parallel societies” emerging due to mass Muslim immigration.

  • These zones are hotspots of crime, social fragmentation, and Islamist terrorism threats.

Government responses: Some European governments acknowledge these zones but often use euphemisms to downplay the crisis.

  • In Sweden, emergency responders demand protection similar to those used in war zones, due to increasing violence from migrant populations.

  • Many European governments have concluded it is too late to prevent an Islamized Europe and that all that can be done is to cushion its effects in the short term and hope that the destruction is limited to those no-go zones, preferably not theirs.

To read the full article, click here.

Belgium Shrugs Off Warning of Muslim Brotherhood Influence

A Belgian intelligence report acknowledged that the Muslim Brotherhood promotes an extremist ideology capable of fueling anti-democratic behavior, polarization, and violations of fundamental rights, y...
By: Jules Gomes

Florence Bergeaud-Blackler criticizes Belgium’s intelligence report for underestimating the Muslim Brotherhood’s (MB) influence, despite clear threats outlined by France.

Intelligence contradictions: Belgian authorities acknowledge the Brotherhood’s extremist ideology but dismiss its immediate threat.

  • They claim the MB rejects violence in favor of socio-political activism, ignoring long-term risks.

French warnings: A French report identifies Belgium as a key hub for the MB, warning of deep ties to European institutions.

  • The MB’s activities span from influencing public policy to controlling educational resources.

Institutional oversight: Bergeaud-Blackler criticizes Belgium for ignoring evidence and relying on biased sources.

  • The report fails to address financial links and municipal control by the MB, undermining regional security.

To read the full article, click here.

The Iran War’s Damage to Global Aviation

Qatar Airways jets are grounded at Manchester Airport, United Kingdom, because of the Iran war on March 8, 2026.  Shutterstock
By: Dalga Khatinoglu

The United States and Israel’s campaign against Iran has triggered a severe aviation crisis, particularly affecting the Middle East.

Strait of Hormuz impact: Iran’s actions have disrupted a key transit route for jet fuel, causing global shortages and price surges.

  • European airports face potential “systematic” shortages, with reserves lasting only weeks.

Airline struggles: Regional carriers like Qatar Airways and Emirates are under pressure, with daily flights halved and losses mounting to $3 billion.

  • Rising security risks and insurance costs are compounding the crisis, forcing route changes and reducing fleet efficiency.

Global repercussions: Flight volumes in Europe and Asia have declined significantly, highlighting the conflict’s wide-reaching effects on air transport.

  • Industrialized nations are releasing strategic reserves, but jet fuel markets, especially Europe-dependent ones, remain strained.

To read the full article, click here.

Christian Villages in South Lebanon Caught in the Crossfire

As the war continues in south Lebanon, there is much debate on the outside about issues such as normalization of relations between Israel and Lebanon and disarmament of Hezbollah. Image: Smoke rises f...
By: Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi

In interviews by Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, residents of Rmeich and Ain Ebel reveal their struggles as their villages are caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Rmeich’s dire situation: With the Lebanese army withdrawn, Rmeich faces severe shortages of electricity, water, and food.

  • Residents rely on solar power and generators, but fuel is scarce, and humanitarian aid is hampered by damaged roads.

Ain Ebel’s challenges: The village, on the periphery of Bint Jbeil, is affected by nearby military operations, causing infrequent aid deliveries.

  • Dependence on oil-powered generators risks a complete blackout; basic commodities like fruits and vegetables are running low.

Call for peace: Both villages express a strong desire for peace and international protection, emphasizing their neutrality and need for stability.

  • Ecclesiastical institutions offer vital support through prayers and aid, reinforcing community resilience against the ongoing turmoil.

To read the full interviews, click here.

Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani Lies to President Trump About Militias

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani in April 2024.  U.S. Secretary of Defense, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
By: Michael Rubin

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has shown both promise and peril, with development strides overshadowed by his appeasement of Iran-backed militias.

Development vs. corruption: While Sudani has enhanced Iraq’s infrastructure, corruption persists, with business outsourced to family, mirroring past leaders.

  • Iran-backed militias retain significant influence, unchecked by Sudani’s administration.

Recent tensions: In March 2026, Iranian-backed militias attacked the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, with Sudani deflecting blame and urging militias to retaliate against U.S. responses.

  • This stance reveals Sudani’s prioritization of Iranian alliances over diplomatic integrity.

Trust questioned: Sudani’s attempts to recast relations with the U.S., despite his actions, highlight a credibility gap.

  • His defense of militias as national defenders contradicts their origins and actions, undermining Iraqi sovereignty.

To read the full article, click here.

Why Masoud Barzani’s Kurdistan Democratic Party Keeps Losing Iraq’s Presidency

Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani in a file photo.  Dominique A. Pineiro, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C., CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
By: Kamal Chomani

Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani faces another setback as his opposition to Iraq’s presidential election is ignored, highlighting a recurring pattern of political overreach.

Unheeded warnings: Barzani’s demand for a unified Kurdish nominee in the presidential election was swiftly bypassed, with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s candidate winning.

  • This underscores his diminishing influence in Baghdad and even within Kurdistan.

Pattern of failure: Repeated defeats in presidential contests reveal Barzani’s strategic miscalculations and failure to adapt to political realities.

  • His insistence on dominance over compromise alienates Kurdish rivals, driving them to seek alliances in Baghdad.

Need for change: Barzani’s approach of ultimatums and boycotts is ineffective; successful coalition-building requires negotiation and power-sharing.

  • For meaningful change, Barzani must embrace political inclusivity within Kurdistan to prevent rivals from counterbalancing him in Iraq.

To read the full article, click here.

Further Reading:

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in a file photo.  Shutterstock

With Orbán’s Defeat in Hungary, Has Israel Lost Its Last European Firewall?
By: Jose Lev Alvarez Gomez
As Iranian-backed proxies stretch Israeli forces across multiple fronts, Jerusalem has lost its most reliable defender in Brussels.

Israel’s Allies Are Milan Kundera’s ‘Small Nations That Can Disappear’
By: Giulio Meotti
It is no coincidence that the small nations of Eastern Europe are more pro-Israel than the large, decadent nations of the West.

Israel-Lebanon Talks Unlikely to Yield Much Until Iran Undergoes Fundamental Change
By: Lazar Berman
The Lebanese government will not risk pushing Hezbollah into using violence against it by trying to disarm it.

If you found this issue of the MEF Dispatch interesting and informative, please forward it to a friend. The Middle East Forum provides a steady stream of analyses and updates at https://www.meforum.org/. Please share your thoughts on our coverage in the comments.

Thank you,

Winfield Myers
Managing Editor, Middle East Forum
Director, Campus Watch

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