Megha Vemuri, an Indian-American undergraduate learner at MIT, made remarks about Israel that drew criticism from many Israelis, including PhD student Guy Zyskind, who described her remarks as “hate-filled rhetoric.” Otherwise, the commencement speech at MIT decided it was acceptable to use the occasion for obscene language against Jews and Israelis. And it wasn’t just one man, either, he said in the post.” My kids might not have understood every word, but they felt the fear and hostility, and they kept asking issues,” he continued. How may @MIT let this happen and destroy a special day for thousands of Israeli graduates and hundreds of their family members, he asked in his post while tagging MIT. Given that a stunning Israeli American few was murdered in Washington just last week, this is even more painful. Shame on MIT for allowing division and hatred to dominate a moment marked by unity and party. While many praised Zyskind’s humanitarian work, some defended the Vemuri’s right to address social issues. MIT governor Melissa Nobles remarked as protests broke out over the campus’s restrictions on Vemuri,” I apologize, but this is not the time or place. She continued,” Today is about our alumni and their families. Please show them respect and let me proceed.
