Harvard Relocates Program Due to 'Security Concerns' at Hamas-Linked University

Harvard University has relocated its summer program from Birzeit University, a Palestinian institution known for its faculty and students' endorsements of Hamas and other terrorist groups, due to escalating security concerns. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s “Palestine Social Medicine Course,” originally scheduled to take place in the West Bank, will now be hosted in Jordan.

The decision follows alarming revelations about Birzeit University's support for terrorist activities. On October 10, Birzeit’s official X account called for “glory for the martyrs” following Hamas’s deadly terrorist attack on Israel. The university has a history of honoring terrorists and promoting anti-Semitic sentiments, further raising concerns about the safety and ethical implications of the program.

Key Points:

• Support for Terrorism: Birzeit University praised Hamas’s attack on Israel and mourned a student killed in combat against the IDF, celebrating his involvement with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

• Security Risks: The relocation to Jordan was necessary due to heightened security threats in the West Bank, particularly given Birzeit’s connections with terrorist groups.

• Controversial Figures: Hanan Ashrawi, chairman of Birzeit’s board of trustees, has denied Hamas’s atrocities and defended Hezbollah, further entangling the university in contentious politics.

The three-week intensive summer course, designed to explore the social, structural, political, and historical determinants of Palestinian health, was slated to begin this week and end on August 17. The course aims to educate students on topics such as "Settler colonialism and its manifestations in Palestine" and "Health and racism."

Harvard’s decision to sever ties with Birzeit follows public outcry and scrutiny after The Daily Wire exposed the university’s connections to terrorism. GOP lawmakers also called for an end to this partnership, emphasizing the dangers of associating with institutions that support terrorist activities.

Birzeit University's long-standing relationship with terrorist groups is well-documented. The university holds annual military parades where students display mock suicide belts and rockets, chanting slogans advocating violence against Israelis. During the 2023 student council elections, the Hamas-affiliated Islamic Bloc won a significant majority, further solidifying the university's alignment with terrorist ideologies.

The ramifications of Birzeit’s support for terrorism extend beyond political statements. Recently, five members of Birzeit’s student council were arrested for plotting a shooting attack on behalf of Hamas. These students were found with an assault rifle and significant funds provided by Hamas.

Harvard’s relocation of the program to Jordan reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety of its students and distancing itself from institutions that endorse terrorism. The university’s move underscores the importance of aligning educational programs with values that reject violence and promote peace.

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