We must beat intolerance
The topic of intolerance has always been close to my heart. My personal experiences of growing up in South Africa and being subject to discrimination had a longstanding impact on me, and I pledged that I would never stand idly by while any other person was met with prejudice or injustice.
In the wake of the tragic events of the October 7 massacre, my husband, Idan, and I found ourselves compelled to confront the intolerance that loomed over our society. The unjust treatment inflicted upon Jewish students on American campuses, solely due to their heritage, stirred within us a profound sense of not only sadness but also indignation. As a parent, I was horrified to think of any young person being subject to discrimination of any kind. It was a stark reminder that, unfortunately, antisemitism is not something of the past but something of our present, and something we must be vigilant against.
Idan and I made the difficult decision to resign from the Harvard Kennedy School Dean’s Executive Board and to withdraw our financial support from Harvard University. We could no longer, in good conscience, associate ourselves with an institution that failed to adequately address the pervasive threat of antisemitism and ensure the safety and fair treatment of Jewish and Israeli students on its campus. It was a decision born out of a deep-seated conviction that silence in the face of injustice is, simply, complicity.
In the weeks and months that followed our resignation, the world saw an alarming surge in antisemitic incidents. Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged as others began to find their voices and take a stance. Donors relinquished their ties to institutions and companies that turned a blind eye to antisemitism, redirecting their resources toward causes that championed tolerance and inclusion. It was a powerful testament to the transformative potential of individual action in the face of bigotry and hatred, and it gave me immense hope. The power of the collective and of standing together cannot be underestimated.
Our decision to take a stand against antisemitism came from our commitment to combat intolerance in all its forms. We recognized that the struggle against prejudice and discrimination knows no bounds, transcending the confines of religion, race, or creed. Whether it be xenophobia, Islamophobia, homophobia, misogyny, or any other form of injustice, we must take a stand together against those who seek to create division in society. At times like these, it is paramount that we continue to safeguard the fundamental rights of all people. The abhorrent acts of terror on October 7th should never serve as justification for targeting innocent individuals. We must remain vigilant in our treatment of those who have not perpetrated violence or endorsed such atrocities. This ethos must extend to innocent Palestinians as well.
To stand against intolerance is to stand against those who would choose not to respect or embrace others and their diversity. Unfortunately, the perils of intolerance loom large, casting a shadow over society. When individuals are marginalized or ostracized due to their beliefs or identities, they become susceptible to extremist ideologies that promise a sense of belonging and purpose. The rise of hate groups and terrorist organizations around the globe is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by intolerance.
At its core, tolerance embodies the recognition and celebration of our differences. Whether it’s differences in race, religion, culture, gender, or ideology, embracing diversity enriches our collective experience, broadens our perspectives, and fuels innovation. The true essence of tolerance lies in genuine understanding and respect for the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.
I believe that the fight against intolerance must begin with a fundamental shift in our attitudes and behaviors. It requires us to challenge our own biases, confront our prejudices, and cultivate empathy and compassion for those who may differ from us. It implores us to stand up against injustice, discrimination, and hatred in all their forms, wherever and whenever they may arise. And it starts with individual action and a commitment to standing up for what we believe in while never letting hate win.
Batia Ofer is a philanthropist and art collector. She received the Champion of Tolerance Award at The Jerusalem Post’s Women Leaders Summit on March 27.