Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Harvard Kennedy School Launches Israel Program and New Course
Harvard Kennedy School has created a new program focused on Israel and its role in the world.
The program is part of the school’s Middle East Initiative.
It will offer a class called “Arguing Israel-Palestine.”
It will also invite Israeli scholars and practitioners to the United States for short visits starting in the 2026–27 academic year.
Another part of the program will study ways for Jewish and Palestinian citizens in Israel to work together.
School officials say they want careful research and respectful debate.
Interest in Israel has grown since Hamas’s October 7 attack, Israel’s military campaigns, and the war in Gaza.
Some Harvard Jewish alumni have criticized related programming and asked the dean to stop Nicholas Kristof’s endowed lecture.
Harvard Kennedy School’s Middle East Initiative launched a new Israel Program last month.
The program will offer a course titled “Arguing Israel-Palestine” and an Israeli Research Fellowship beginning in 2026–27.
Senior research fellow Barak Sella will lead the program, chaired by Tarek E. Masoud.
A Shared Society Lab will focus on municipal institutions and partnerships between Israel’s Jewish and Palestinian citizens.
The launch comes amid debate over Israel-related programming, including alumni letters opposing Nicholas Kristof’s endowed lecture.
- Who
- Harvard Kennedy School’s Middle East Initiative, led by Barak Sella and chaired by Tarek E. Masoud, is establishing the program.
- What
- The school launched an Israel Program that includes a new course, a Shared Society Lab, and a planned Israeli Research Fellowship.
- When
- The program launched last month; the fellowship is scheduled to begin in the 2026–27 academic year.
- Where
- At Harvard Kennedy School.
- Why
- The initiative responds to growing interest in Israel after the October 7 Hamas attack, Israel’s subsequent military campaigns, and the war in Gaza.
Program Supporters
Program Critics
Israel-related teaching and debate
Program Supporters
Harvard officials say the program will promote rigorous inquiry and civil, constructive debate about Israel and Palestine.
Program Critics
The Harvard Jewish Alumni Alliance has sent letters urging Dean Jeremy M. Weinstein to stop Nicholas Kristof’s endowed lecture, reflecting opposition to some Israel-related programming.
Program expansion
Program Supporters
Supporters describe the course, fellowship, and Shared Society Lab as ways to deepen research, teaching, and engagement on Israel.
Program Critics
Critics have raised concerns about the broader direction of Israel-related activities, although the article does not specify their objections to the new course itself.
- Program
- Israel Program within Harvard Kennedy School’s Middle East Initiative
- New course
- “Arguing Israel-Palestine”
- Program leader
- Barak Sella, a senior research fellow and Kennedy School graduate
- Chairman
- Tarek E. Masoud
- Shared Society Lab
- Led by Dana Schleifer and focused on Israeli municipal institutions and Jewish-Palestinian partnerships
- Fellowship
- Israeli Research Fellowship planned for the 2026–27 academic year
- Funding
- The program has modest financial support and will seek additional resources from foundations and donors