Ally Landau ’20 Leads the Fight for Change at Haverford College

When antisemitism surged on college campuses following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, Golda Och Academy alumna Ally Landau ’20 refused to stay silent.

As a student at Haverford College, Ally became increasingly frustrated by what she felt was a lack of support for Jewish students and the administration’s response to the events unfolding in Israel. What began as a series of conversations and advocacy efforts ultimately led Ally and other Jewish students to file a lawsuit against the college — a case that was settled this week with all of the students’ demands met.

In the days following October 7, Haverford College issued a campus-wide statement that, according to Ally, failed to acknowledge the atrocities that had taken place. Determined to ensure Jewish and Israeli perspectives were heard, she met with Haverford College President Wendy Raymond, who suggested that she organize an educational event rather than issue an additional college-wide communication.

Taking that advice to heart, Ally organized a teach-in for the campus community. Anticipating difficult conversations, she drew on experiences from her Golda Och Academy education and her Neshama journey to Israel and Poland.

“On Neshama, we debated with Israeli Arabs and people with different viewpoints,” Ally said. “We gained a lot of insight that we couldn’t have learned in the classroom. I also reached out to colleagues from Ramah Nyack to help me prepare.”

The event, as she anticipated, attracted students who were anti-Israel. Yet Ally even welcomed a Palestinian student who had contacted her after seeing the event announcement and offered to engage in a discussion following her presentation.

“Since Haverford College prides itself on dialogue, I offered to have a discussion after my slideshow,” she said. “But the entire room was on his side. After the teach-in, I heard that a couple of Jewish students were planning to attend, but once they saw ‘From the River to the Sea’ signs, they decided not to come in.”

As tensions on campus continued to rise, Ally sought additional opportunities to share perspectives she felt were missing from campus conversations. Following a student government plenary session that she described as overwhelmingly pro-Palestinian, she and other Jewish students sent a letter to the student body expressing their concerns. 

Soon after, Ally’s name appeared in a list of demands circulated by student activists, who claimed her rhetoric was harmful. According to Ally, the college did not take action. Meanwhile, demonstrations on campus intensified, including encampments on the front lawn and sit-ins in Founders Hall.

Despite these challenges, Ally remained committed to advocacy. As captain of the women’s basketball team, she organized an antisemitism awareness event in partnership with the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, founded by Robert Kraft. Months of planning went into the initiative, including securing educational materials, awareness pins, and resources for attendees.

However, one week before the event, Ally was informed by the dean that protests could potentially disrupt the game and even result in a forfeit. With no additional safety measures put in place, she made the difficult decision to cancel the event.

“It has always been my mindset to advocate for myself and others,” Ally said. “You can ask Mrs. Siegel and Mrs. Kron about the many petitions I wrote in elementary school! I was aggravated that only one side of the war was being portrayed, and my friends who didn’t have the same background I did were being persuaded. Having a Jewish day school education, I felt equipped to be that other voice.”

In the spring of 2024, Ally and other Jewish students decided to take legal action, filing a lawsuit against Haverford College. The case was settled this week, with the college agreeing to measures that include enhanced antisemitism training and disciplinary action for violations of campus policies and honor codes.

For Ally, the settlement represents more than a legal victory. It is a step toward creating a campus environment where Jewish students feel heard, supported, and protected.

“Our entire community is so proud of Ally and all our alumni who continue to stand up against antisemitism,” said Golda Och Academy Head of School Carrie Z. Siegel ’92. “Ally is a shining example of our mission to cultivate the next generation of Jewish leaders.”

Through her courage, perseverance, and commitment to advocacy, Ally has demonstrated the values of leadership, resilience, and moral responsibility that define the Golda Och Academy community.