A recent unusual incident at Harvard University has sparked a wave of reactions and solidarity within the Jewish community on campus. A mezuzah that had been hanging on the door of a Jewish student’s dorm room went missing. Although it was found hours later on the floor, many saw this not just as damage to property but as an attack on Jewish identity. While the investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear if the act was intentional, the incident led to the creation of a meaningful new initiative: Harvard’s “Mezuzah Patrol.”
After the incident, many students on campus felt threatened, and responses from the Jewish community quickly followed. “This isn’t just an act of vandalism,” said Chabad Rabbi Hershey Zarchi, serving at Harvard. “Removing a mezuzah sends a message of intimidation and erasure. It’s an attack on the very identity of Harvard’s Jewish community.” Zarchi called on the university and law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the incident and hold the responsible individuals accountable.
As the investigation continues, Jewish students on campus chose to respond in a unique and inspiring way. They initiated a campaign during which dozens of new mezuzahs were installed on dorm room doors as an expression of solidarity with the affected student. Ruth, one of the participants in the mezuzah initiative, said: “This act didn’t just harm the student who was attacked—it affected all of us. We won’t sit idly by when our religious identity is threatened.”
Chabad at Harvard shared a series of photos of students placing new mezuzahs on their doors, with the clear message: “The best response—more mezuzahs and Jewish pride at Harvard.” Instead of fear and despair, the incident led to a surge of unity and strengthened Jewish identity on campus.
In response, the university issued a statement saying, “Every student should feel welcome in our community at Harvard, and the university will not tolerate actions that violate this commitment.” Additionally, it was reported that campus police are investigating the incident but have not yet provided further details about the motive behind it.
