Harvard Grad Student Targeted in Anti-Palestinian Tirade by Econ Professor’s Wife

A video of a confrontation at Harvard University has gone viral after a graduate student was chastised for wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional scarf associated with the Palestinian struggle.

According to The Harvard Crimson, the incident involved Eve Gerber, wife of Harvard professor Jason Furman, expressing disapproval over the student’s choice of attire.

In the video, Gerber is heard saying, “Thank you for walking through neighborhoods and making families feel unsafe with your terrorist scarf.” The student responded by drawing attention to the historical context, stating, “Palestinians felt pretty unsafe when Israelis occupied their country, you know.”

The exchange escalated when Gerber replied, “I’m glad you’re so proud of the slaughtering of civilians.” The incident occurred against the backdrop of escalating tensions on U.S. campuses, with pro-Palestinian groups claiming censorship and pro-Israeli groups reporting an increase in antisemitic rhetoric.

“Thank you for walking through neighborhoods with your terrorist scarf.”

A Harvard graduate student wearing a keffiyeh, was subjected to Islamophobic harassment on campus by Eve Gerber, wife of Jason Furman, professor at Harvard's Kennedy School and a former Obama Admin advisor. pic.twitter.com/ZNgKhZascT

— The Sparrow Project (@sparrowmedia) December 13, 2023

After her encounter went viral, Gerber appeared to have a change of heart, issuing an apology in which she stated, “I deeply regret what I said and did,” as reported by the Daily Mail.

This is not the first time Harvard has witnessed such incidents. In October, a video circulated online showing pro-Palestinian demonstrators mobbing a Harvard student on campus. The footage depicted demonstrators surrounding the student, holding keffiyehs to his face, and shouting “shame.”

The confrontations underscore the challenges of navigating discussions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within academic settings. Harvard, known for its diverse and intellectually charged environment, reflects the broader societal struggle to balance free speech, diverse perspectives, and sensitivities surrounding geopolitical conflicts.