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Shabbos Kestenbaum

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Shabbos Kestenbaum
Kestenbaum speaks in 2024
Born
Alexander Shabbos Kestenbaum

(1998-12-19) December 19, 1998 (age 26)
Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S.
EducationHarvard Divinity School (MTS, 2024)[1]
OccupationActivist
Known forActivism against antisemitism, Legal actions against Harvard University
Notable workLawsuit against Harvard University
Political partyDemocratic

Shabbos Kestenbaum (born December 19, 1998) is an American Jewish activist and graduate of Harvard Divinity School. He is known for leading a lawsuit against Harvard University, filed in January 2024, which alleges that the university failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from antisemitic harassment and discrimination.

Early life

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Kestenbaum was born on December 19, 1998,[2] in Teaneck, New Jersey, to Daniel and Hadassah Kestenbaum,[3] British immigrants.[4] He is one of seven siblings[5] and was named Shabbos because he was born on the Jewish Sabbath.[6] His family later moved to the Riverdale section of the Bronx, New York,[7] where he attended SAR Academy, a local Modern Orthodox Jewish day school.[8][9] During his youth, he expressed opposition to the Iraq War in a school journal.[10] He then studied at Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem for two years, from 2017 to 2019.[11][12][13]

Kestenbaum attended Queens College,[14] where he served as president of Hillel and Student Senator[15] and graduated summa cum laude.[16]

Harvard

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Kestenbaum then attended Harvard Divinity School, graduating in May 2024.[17][18] While at Harvard, he became increasingly vocal about experienced antisemitism on campus.[19] This included harassment of Jewish students during protests, antisemitic messages on a university app, and vandalism of posters about Israeli hostages.[20][21]

Lawsuit against Harvard University

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In January 2024, Kestenbaum was the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Harvard University.[22][23][17][24][25] The lawsuit included six anonymous Jewish students under the name Students Against Antisemitism and alleged that the university failed to address antisemitic harassment and discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students, particularly following the October 7 attacks.[10][26][27] The plaintiffs claimed that Harvard violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by not protecting Jewish and Israeli students from discrimination and harassment, breached contractual obligations, and failed to uphold the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.[20]

In April 2024, the university filed to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that they had worked to combat campus antisemitism.[28][29] However the motion was rejected in August by federal judge Richard G. Stearns, who pointed out that there were many instances when Harvard had failed to respond to antisemitism.[30]

In January 2025, Harvard settled the lawsuit with the other plaintiffs, agreeing to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, host an annual symposium on antisemitism, and partner with an Israeli university. Kestenbaum declined to join the settlement and continued pursuing his claims separately.[31][32] On May 15, he agreed a confidential settlement with Harvard.[33][34]

Political involvement

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Initially a registered Democrat and supporter of progressive candidates like Bernie Sanders,[35][36][37] Kestenbaum gained attention for speaking at the Republican National Convention in July 2024.[11] During his speech, he highlighted issues of antisemitism and criticized Harvard University's handling of such incidents.[17] He expressed disillusionment with antisemitic elements within both far-left and far-right factions. His speech was reportedly well-received by the audience.[10] He endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, citing dissatisfaction with Democratic leadership and the party's handling of antisemitism and emphasizing the need for stronger measures against antisemitism.[38][39]

Kestenbaum has testified multiple times before the United States Congress regarding antisemitism on college campuses.[40][41] He has also spoken before the Israeli Knesset, where he was honored for his efforts in combating antisemitism.[42] He also has appeared as a commentator on national news platforms including CNN, Fox News, and Newsmax.[43]

Kestenbaum also ran on Aish HaTorah's Aish Ha’am slate in the elections for the 39th World Zionist Congress, held between March 10 and May 4, 2025.[44]

Reaction

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Kestenbaum's advocacy and public statements have elicited varied responses, particularly within the Jewish community and broader public discourse.[43]

Within parts of the Jewish community and among conservative circles, he has been lauded as a courageous and impactful figure. He is viewed by some as a crucial advocate for addressing antisemitism on college campuses and defending Jewish rights, with one publication describing him as a "rising star" and "future leader of the Jewish people." His lawsuit against Harvard received significant national attention and became a focal point in the broader debate about antisemitism in higher education. Kestenbaum himself stated that the lawsuit "drew the nation's attention to the scourge of antisemitism at Harvard and other campuses, and it also caught the attention of President Trump and his Department of Education."[45] Rabbi Shlomo Riskin has remarked that Kestenbaum is "not just a speaker — he's a builder" who is "helping to shape the next chapter of Jewish public life, and he's doing it with both vision and integrity."[43]

However, his approach and alignment with conservative platforms have also drawn criticism. Some critics, including other Jewish students and commentators, argue that Kestenbaum's narrative exaggerates the experiences of Jewish students at universities like Harvard and serves political rather than educational aims. For example, a former classmate from Harvard Divinity School stated that Kestenbaum's depiction of antisemitism at Harvard did not reflect the experience of "much of Harvard's Jewish population" and that his rhetoric was used to "weaponize his individual story and experience to conceal their very real antisemitism."[46] Another opinion piece in the Forward argued that Kestenbaum "misrepresents Jewish values" and is a "campus provocateur with a record of inflammatory statements and actions" who is exploited by "political opportunists on the right."[47]

Personal

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Kestenbaum works with the Jewish community in Poland, preserving Jewish heritage and promoting Jewish education, and has visited numerous times since he turned 18.[48][49][50] Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he returned to Poland to help support the Ukrainian refugees there. He worked as an intern at the Jewish Community Centre of Kraków in Poland in the summer of 2023[51] and took part in its Ride For The Living fundraiser.[48]

Kestenbaum identifies as a liberal first-generation American and Orthodox Jew.[11][5] He remains politically active and continues to advocate for issues he believes in, regardless of party affiliation.[10][52] As of May 2025 he plans to move to Los Angeles for a job in PragerU.[4] In May 2025, he donated his kidney to an anonymous recipient through the Renewal organization.[43]

References

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  1. ^ "Graduate Profile: Shabbos Israel X. Kestenbaum, MTS '24". Harvard Divinity School. Harvard University. May 13, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  2. ^ Kestenbaum, Shabbos (December 20, 2024). "So touched by all the birthday wishes!". Facebook (Video). Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  3. ^ "Graduate Profile: Shabbos Israel X. Kestenbaum, MTS '24". Harvard Divinity School. Harvard University. May 13, 2024. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  4. ^ a b Hartocollis, Anemona (May 4, 2025). "The Jewish Student Who Took On Harvard". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Lovy, Howard (July 27, 2024). "Shabbos Kestenbaum's Fight Against Antisemitism". Howard Lovy. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
  6. ^ Gordon, Larry (July 25, 2024). "Just One Shabbos". The 5 Towns Jewish Times. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  7. ^ Herman, Deb (December 1, 2021). "'I felt I had to do something'". The Jewish Standard. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  8. ^ "Shabbos Kestenbaum's Blog". blogs.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  9. ^ Kampeas, Ron (July 26, 2016). "Democrats scramble for a unique message that appeals to Jewish millennials". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d Kampeas, Ron (July 18, 2024). "Republicans cheer Shabbos Kestenbaum, Harvard grad who is suing school over post-Oct. 7 antisemitism". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  11. ^ a b c Glover, Eve (July 29, 2024). "Harvard Divinity grad Shabbos Kestenbaum, amid antisemitism, stands strong in his faith: 'Proud to be Jewish'". Fox News. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  12. ^ Lobell, Kylie Ora (December 1, 2024). "Why Shabbos Kestenbaum is Running On Aish Ha'Am's WZO Slate". Aish.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  13. ^ "Empowering Jewish Students at Harvard and Beyond: Shabbos Kestenbaum Calls for Pride and Action Amid Rising Hostility". Baltimore Jewish Life. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  14. ^ Noor, Amna; Klapper, Serene (September 16, 2020). "QC Student Rallies For Uyghur Rights". The Knight News. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  15. ^ Markovitz, Pearl (August 1, 2024). "Shabbos Kestenbaum Speaks in Teaneck". The Jewish Link. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  16. ^ "Participant Bios" (PDF). Committee on Education and the Workforce.
  17. ^ a b c Massel, Rebecca (July 15, 2024). "'Never in my life voted for a Republican': Who is Shabbos Kestenbaum and why will he address the GOP convention?". The Forward. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  18. ^ Velasco, Rin. "Shabbos Kestenbaum blasts Harvard University for 'antisemitism' at RNC. What he said". The Patriot Ledger. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  19. ^ Living Lchaim (May 25, 2024). Harvard is Anti-Semitic. Meet the Kid Who's Changing That (Shabbos Kestenbaum). Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via YouTube.
  20. ^ a b "ALEXANDER KESTENBAUM STUDENTS AGAINST ANTISEMITISM INC v. PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE (2024)". Findlaw. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  21. ^ Clerkin, Ben (January 23, 2024). "Meet the student suing Harvard over antisemitism". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  22. ^ Tress, Luke. "Shabbos Kestenbaum, high-profile campus antisemitism critic, endorses Trump". Times of Israel. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  23. ^ "Harvard faces legal action: Shabbos Kestenbaum defends Jewish students - interview". The Jerusalem Post. July 3, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  24. ^ "The Poisoned Ivy League". Community Magazine. January 1, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  25. ^ Kempinski, Yoni. "Shabbos Kestenbaum: 'Jewish students should not be at Ivy League Universities'". Israel National News. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  26. ^ Frankfurter, Rabbi Yitzchok (March 6, 2024). "Speaking Up about Anti-Semitism at Harvard". Ami Magazine. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  27. ^ Kempinski, Yoni. "Shabbos Kestenbaum: On 10/7 young US Jews woke up and we're not going back to sleep". Israel National News. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  28. ^ Smilk, Carin M. (April 15, 2024). "Harvard attempts to dismiss lawsuit filed by Jewish students". JNS.org. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  29. ^ Harvey, Eric (April 30, 2024). "Torres wants Harvard to be accountable for antisemitism". The Riverdale Press. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  30. ^ Kornick, Lindsay (August 6, 2024). "Federal judge rules Harvard University must face antisemitism lawsuit from Jewish students". Fox News. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  31. ^ Spector, David (January 22, 2025). "Harvard settles two lawsuits dealing with allegations of antisemitism". Fox News. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  32. ^ "Harvard settles lawsuits over antisemitism on campus". Times of Israel. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  33. ^ Connolly, Sebastian; Karabolli, Julia (May 15, 2025). "Harvard, Kestenbaum Agree to Confidential Settlement in Antisemitism Lawsuit". The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  34. ^ Hartocollis, Anemona (May 15, 2025). "Jewish Student Who Held Out in Lawsuit Against Harvard Agrees to Settle". The NY Times. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  35. ^ Jordan, Eliana (July 18, 2024). "Jewish former student suing Harvard decries antisemitism at Ivy League college". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  36. ^ Tress, Luke. "Shabbos Kestenbaum, high-profile campus antisemitism critic, endorses Trump". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  37. ^ "The RNC speaker who wasn't there to endorse Donald Trump". Deseret News. July 28, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  38. ^ "Jewish rights activist, Democrat Shabbos Kestenbaum endorses Trump". The Jerusalem Post. September 6, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  39. ^ "Harvard Alumnus, Antisemitism Activist Shabbos Kestenbaum Breaks with Democratic Party, Endorses Trump". The Yeshiva World. September 9, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  40. ^ Harris, Geoff (May 15, 2024). "Students testify at House Committee hearing, describe antisemitism on Ivy League campuses". WBMA. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  41. ^ "WATCH: Jewish Students Share Shocking Details of Antisemitism on College Campuses". Committee on Education & the Workforce. March 4, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  42. ^ Burg, Rabbi (January 12, 2025). "Aish testifying at the Knesset". Aish. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  43. ^ a b c d "Shabbos Kestenbaum: Harvard Grad, Jewish Advocate, and Kidney Donor Making Waves Nationwide". The Jewish Vues. May 27, 2025. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
  44. ^ Elia-Shalev, Asaf (March 10, 2025). "Voting opens in election for World Zionist Congress, with future of Israel at stake". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
  45. ^ Connolly, Sebastian B.; Karabolli, Julia A. (March 27, 2025). "As Antisemitism Lawsuit Drags On, Harvard Demands Kestenbaum's Messages With Politicians". The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  46. ^ Mishell, Zev (July 19, 2024). "I'm a Jew studying at Harvard Divinity School. Shabbos Kestenbaum doesn't speak for me". The Forward. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  47. ^ Michaelson, Jay (July 19, 2024). "When American values are Jewish values — the convention speech I'd give in response to Shabbos Kestenbaum". The Forward. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
  48. ^ a b Mindell, Cynthia (June 22, 2023). "Riverdale Cyclist Raises Money for JCC Krakow". The Jewish Link. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  49. ^ "Shabbos Kestenbaum". Shevet Glaubach Fellowship. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  50. ^ Schwartz, Yaakov. "Church in former Auschwitz SS headquarters is 'desecration,' say activist rabbis". Times of Israel. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  51. ^ "Suing Harvard. The State of Antisemitism on America's College Campuses (EN) - Festiwal Kultury Żydowskiej". Festiwal Kultury Żydowskiej - Kolejna witryna oparta na WordPressie (in Polish). June 13, 2024. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  52. ^ Lipszyc, Yaakov (May 7, 2024). "Degrees of Hate". Mishpacha Magazine. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
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