Billionaire Len Blavatnik Pauses Donations to Harvard Amid Antisemitism Controversy

The decision follows criticism of University President Claudine Gay's handling of antisemitism and could significantly impact Harvard's finances.

Len Blavatnik, a billionaire philanthropist and major Harvard donor, has paused donations to the University due to its handling of antisemitism on campus.
Blavatnik's decision follows criticism of University President Claudine Gay’s response to the Israel-Hamas war and her testimony during a congressional hearing.
Blavatnik has previously donated at least $270 million to the University, including a record-setting $200 million to Harvard Medical School in 2018.
The growing donor revolt threatens to put a strain on Harvard’s finances, as philanthropy accounts for 45 percent of the University’s annual revenue.
Blavatnik's decision is a significant blow to Gay, who has faced multiple crises during her first semester in office, including allegations of plagiarism.