Harvard Leadership Condemned by Israeli Billionaire: Shocking Resignation Shakes Board

Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and his wife Batia are resigning from a Harvard executive board due to their dissatisfaction with the university's response to Hamas terrorism targeting Israel. "Regrettably, we have lost confidence in the leadership of the University and therefore, it is impossible for us to maintain our support for Harvard and its committees," the couple explained in a statement given to CNN.

According to Bloomberg's billionaire index, Idan Ofer, an Israeli, has accumulated a fortune worth around $20 billion, ranking him at No. 80. The recent resignation of the Ofer family from the executive board of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government adds to the existing controversy at the university. This controversy arose after a coalition of student groups released an anti-Israel statement.

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The content of the letter solely held Israel responsible for the fatal attacks carried out by Hamas, causing a major controversy and leading some students to disassociate themselves from it.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the anti-Israel letter was not the primary factor behind the decision of the Ofers to resign and criticize the Harvard leadership. Instead, it was driven by the response of Harvard leaders to the attacks on Israel.

The Ofers expressed their disapproval of blaming the Israeli people for the atrocities committed by Hamas. They stated that their decision to resign from the board was influenced by the University's lack of clear support for Israel and their failure to acknowledge Hamas as a terrorist organization.

David Rubenstein, a billionaire, serves as the chairman of the Kennedy School board. The board consists of prominent business and philanthropic leaders who offer guidance to the dean and are recognized as devoted financial supporters of the school, as stated on its website.

According to Forbes, Idan Ofer is the son of the late Sammy Ofer, a shipping billionaire who was once Israel's wealthiest individual before his passing in 2011. Idan Ofer holds a majority stake in Israel Corp., a conglomerate involved in energy, shipping, and chemicals. Additionally, he is a controlling shareholder in Kenon Holdings, a holding company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Amidst the rampant spread of disinformation through social media, it is imperative for esteemed institutions worldwide to communicate with utmost clarity and without ambiguity during these crucial times.

Harvard University refrained from addressing the resignation and criticism from the Ofers. Instead, the university directed attention towards a video statement issued on Thursday evening by Harvard President Claudine Gay.

"Our University takes a firm stance on the matter. Let me state unequivocally that terrorism, including the heinous acts committed by Hamas, is outright rejected," asserted Gay. "Furthermore, our University condemns all forms of hate, be it directed towards Jews, Muslims, or any other group based on their religious beliefs, national origin, or any aspect of their identity."

In addition, Gay emphasized that Harvard "does not tolerate the harassment or intimidation of individuals based on their personal beliefs" and instead upholds a strong commitment to freedom of expression."

"That commitment remains unwavering, even towards opinions that many of us deem objectionable or highly offensive. We do not impose penalties or reprimand individuals for expressing such viewpoints," remarked Gay. "However, it is crucial to note that this should not be misconstrued as an endorsement." Following the publication of the anti-Israel statement, prominent CEOs and business leaders, including hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman, demanded the disclosure of the names of students associated with the supporting organizations. This occurred despite the fact that certain students distanced themselves from the letter or claimed to be unaware of its existence.

A billboard "doxing truck" drove near Harvards campus on Wednesday displaying the names and faces of students that apparently were linked to the statement.