In a recent release, Harvard University's task force focused on combating antisemitism unveiled a set of preliminary recommendations that have left Jewish faculty, alumni, and advisory group members disappointed. The suggestions, divided into six areas, aimed to address the issue of antisemitism on campus but fell short of expectations.

The six-page document, which was revealed on Wednesday, included both immediate and long-term actions. Some of the immediate actions proposed were marking pork products in dining facilities and creating a webpage on the school's site to provide information on Jewish holidays. The report also stressed the need for anti-harassment training for all students and teaching fellows, highlighting the inclusion of education on antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias.

However, Jewish leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the recommendations. Rabbi David Wolpe, a former member of a separate antisemitism advisory group formed at Harvard, criticized the report for its failure to address concerns regarding faculty hiring, rethinking diversity and equity, and ensuring sanctions against those who advocated violence. Wolpe also pointed out the absence of an affirmation of Zionism as "a legitimate and even praiseworthy ideal."

The disappointment among Jewish leaders and alumni was shared by Shabbos Kestenbaum, a recent graduate of Harvard Divinity School. Kestenbaum expressed frustration that the recommendations did not acknowledge the pervasive and systemic nature of antisemitism. He criticized the report for omitting discussions on faculty hiring and firing, examining the role of diversity and inclusion in antisemitism, and addressing security concerns at Harvard Chabad and Hillel.

Rabbi Hirschy Zarchi from Harvard Chabad also voiced disappointment, highlighting the failure of the recommendations to address visible issues, such as the employment of faculty who violate the university's code of conduct and Harvard's academic relationship with Birzeit University, whose student government supports Hamas.

The task force's list of recommendations primarily focused on short-term actionable items rather than long-term structural changes. The group also announced plans to release a separate set of long-term measures in the fall, which would delve into the analysis of the university's current crisis and propose transformative proposals for the future.

It should be noted that the task force faced scrutiny due to the appointment of professor Derek Penslar as co-chair. Penslar's previous comments minimizing concerns over antisemitism at Harvard and his stance on Israel drew criticism from Jewish communal leaders and prominent figures. Penslar eventually stepped down from his role.

Established in response to the surge in antisemitic incidents following October's Hamas terror attacks in Israel, the antisemitism task force was preceded by an advisory group created by former President Claudine Gay. However, the advisory group faced controversy due to Gay's Capitol Hill testimony in December, leading to the resignation of key members, including Dara Horn and Rabbi Wolpe.

In a similar endeavor, a committee supporting Harvard's Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities also released preliminary recommendations to combat Islamophobia on campus.

As the recommendations await review by interim President Alan Garber, the disappointment expressed by Jewish leaders and alumni highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to combatting antisemitism at one of America's prestigious universities.