Shabbos Kestenbaum is a Jewish activist and graduate of Harvard Divinity School. He is known for leading a lawsuit against Harvard University, filed in January 2024, which alleges that the university failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from antisemitic harassment and discrimination.

Kestenbaum was born in 1999 and raised in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, New York.^[2] He attended a Modern Orthodox Jewish day school, where he first became politically active, notably opposing the Iraq War at a young age.^[3]

Kestenbaum attended Harvard Divinity School, graduating in May 2024. While at Harvard, he became increasingly vocal about what he perceived as antisemitism on campus.^[4] This included harassment of Jewish students during protests, antisemitic messages on a university app, and vandalism of posters about Israeli hostages.^[5]

His activism led to a lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging that the institution failed to protect Jewish students from antisemitism.^{[6][7][8][9][10]}

In January 2024, Kestenbaum became the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Harvard University.^[11] The lawsuit, which includes six anonymous Jewish students, accuses the university of failing to address antisemitic harassment and discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students, particularly in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. ^[3][12][13]

The plaintiffs claimed that Harvard violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by not protecting Jewish and Israeli students from discrimination and harassment. They argue that Harvard broke its own rules and promises to students, which constitutes a breach of contract. Additionally, they allege that Harvard did not act fairly and honestly towards Jewish students, breaching the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing.^[5]

Initially a registered Democrat and supporter of progressive candidates like Bernie Sanders,^[14] Kestenbaum gained attention for speaking at the Republican National Convention in July 2024.^[15][16] During his speech, he highlighted issues of antisemitism and criticized Harvard University's handling of such incidents.^[7] His speech was well-received by the audience, despite his stated disillusionment with both major political parties.^[3] He endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, citing his disillusionment with Democratic leadership and the party's handling of antisemitism and emphasizing the need for stronger measures against antisemitism.^[17][18]

Kestenbaum's actions have led to debate within both the Jewish community and the broader public. While some view him as a courageous advocate for Jewish rights, others criticize his alignment with conservative platforms.^[19] His efforts have led to increased scrutiny of how universities handle allegations of antisemitism and have influenced public discourse on the topic.^[7][3]

Kestenbaum identifies as a proud first-generation American and Orthodox Jew.^[15] He remains politically active and continues to advocate for issues he believes in, regardless of party affiliation.^[3][20]