Harvard University's commencement ceremony faced turmoil as over 1,000 individuals walked out in protest of not granting diplomas to 13 pro-Palestinian student protesters, and Rabbi Hirshy Zarchi of Chabad challenged the commencement speaker, Maria Ressa, over an antisemitic allegation.

The Second Sundays cultural festival in Williamsburg, Virginia, has decided not to hold a public menorah lighting event during Hanukkah due to fears that it would be seen as endorsing Israel during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.