A recent article by The Crimson highlighted an unusual initiative taken up by Harvard Chabad to counter anti-Semitic sentiments on campus. In the wake of a surge in anti-Semitic incidents, Rabbi Hirschy Zarchi, President of Harvard Chabad, organized a self-defense class for Jewish students to learn how to stand up against hateful bullies. The unique part of this initiative was that it included a lesson from the renowned Israeli mixed martial arts fighter Natan Levy, also known as “Lethal,” who is recognized for his aggressive fighting style in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Rabbi Zarchi expressed his concern about the perception of Jews being physically weak and emphasized the need for strong Jews on campus. Levy echoed this sentiment, stating that he aims to teach people to be confident in their skin and never be ashamed of who they are or where they came from. His self-defense class was not only a practical way to learn how to protect oneself, but also served as an affirmation of religious pride among Jewish students.
In recent months, many Jewish students at Harvard have reported feeling unsafe on campus, particularly during anti-Israel protests and in the aftermath of events such as Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. Several antisemitic incidents were also mentioned, like a case where a mezuzah was removed from a freshman’s doorway and another involving anti-Israel posters being hung around the school.
Levy gained recognition as a symbol of Jewish strength last year when he publicly challenged and defeated a white supremacist troll in a cage match, showcasing his physical prowess and dedication to standing up against hate speech. The self-defense class organized by Rabbi Zarchi is part of a free six-part course known as StandStrong, which was founded in 2019 to combat the rise in antisemitism across the United States. Through these classes, Jewish students at Harvard are learning how to defend themselves both physically and emotionally, while also fostering a sense of pride and resilience within their community.
