Harvard University

‘Nervous doesn't begin to cut it': Harvard student prepares to address RNC

Shabbos Kestenbaum, a student who has been critical of Harvard University, says former President Donald Trump's campaign invited him to speak at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee

NBC Universal, Inc.

A student at Harvard University was getting ready to address the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee Wednesday.

Shabbos Kestenbaum has been vocal about Harvard's handling of the fallout on campus after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack and Israel's subsequent war in Gaza.

WATCH ANYTIME FOR FREE

icon

Stream NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are.

Kestenbaum, who identifies himself as a lifelong Democrat, says former President Donald Trump's campaign asked him to speak at the convention about two weeks ago.

"Nervous doesn't begin to cut it," he said Wednesday. "I think the largest crowd I've ever spoken to was maybe 1,000 people. This will be, I think, 10,000 in the room alone, not to mention the millions of people watching on TV, not to mention the former president of the United Stats in the room, as well."

Several of Donald Trump's previous rivals, including Nikki Haley, are already throwing their support behind him as the party's nominee. NBC10 Boston Political Commentator Sue O'Connell joins us to discuss that and more. Follow NBC10 Boston on... Instagram: instagram.com/nbc10boston TikTok: tiktok.com/@nbc10boston Facebook: facebook.com/NBC10Boston X: twitter.com/NBC10Boston

Kestenbaum joined a lawsuit filed against Harvard alleging the school didn't do enough to protect students. He said he is grateful for the opportunity to speak at the RNC.

"When your freedoms, when your religion, and when your values are under assault, you must — must — stand up and fight back," he told NBC10 Boston.

The student says his speech is not about politics, but so much more. He said if invited, he would also speak at the Democratic National Convention.

He says it feels surreal.

"I'm just a college kid," Kestenbaum said. "I'm a scrappy Jew from the Bronx, you know, what am I doing here?"

Contact Us