The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Center to Combat Antisemitism, the Anti-Defamation League of Philadelphia, and the American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia/Southern NJ are deeply disturbed that Professor Guangtian Ha allegedly engaged in antisemitic harassment, intimidation, and threatening communications directed at members of the Haverford College community.
Today, as the Jewish community marks the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, these allegations are especially painful and serve as a stark reminder that the resurgent antisemitism remains a persistent threat that must be confronted wherever it appears.
Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones. No student, employee, faculty member, or community member should have to endure threats, harassment, or intimidation because of their Jewish identity. Antisemitic threats, whether delivered in person or online, create fear, isolation, and profound insecurity, and they have no place in any community, especially one dedicated to learning, intellectual inquiry, and mutual respect.
These allegations are particularly alarming because they reportedly involve a faculty member at an institution of higher education, someone entrusted with educating students and contributing to a safe and inclusive academic environment. The allegations suggest not an isolated lapse in judgment, but a pattern of threatening and intimidating behavior that persisted over time and reportedly targeted members of the Haverford College community. Colleges and universities have a fundamental responsibility to protect their students, faculty, and staff from harassment, threats, and discrimination, and to act swiftly when warning signs emerge.
While the allegations center on conduct directed at specific individuals, the harm caused by antisemitic harassment extends far beyond any one victim. Antisemitic threats send a message to Jewish students, faculty, and community members that they are not safe, and contribute to an environment in which Jews avoid expressing their identity and beliefs.
We are grateful to the FBI, local law enforcement agencies, and the administration of Haverford College for taking these allegations seriously and working to protect the community.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses antisemitic threats, harassment, or suspicious activity in educational spaces is encouraged to report it to the Federal Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, as well as through the Jewish Federation’s Incident Reporting Form at jewishphilly.org/report or the Anti-Defamation League’s reporting form at www.adl.org/report-incident
Our organizations remain committed to supporting victims, strengthening community security, combating antisemitism in all its forms, and ensuring that Jewish individuals can feel safe, welcome, and respected in every part of our society.
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About the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Since 1901, the Jewish Federation has served as the hub of the region’s Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we annually invest in caring for those in need, combating antisemitism and global crisis, and securing a vibrant Jewish future. For more information, please visit: jewishphilly.org.
For media inquiries, please contact phillyfed@redbanyan.com.