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500 days have passed and the air feels a little bit lighter.

It has been 500 days since Oct. 7, 2023. 500 days of war, loss, and division; 500 days during which Harvard’s campus has been wracked with turmoil, torn apart by controversy, and subjected to intense and often invasive scrutiny.

These past 500 days have been strenuous, volatile, and poignant. But, dare I say, it finally feels like we are making positive strides. Over the past year and a half, the concerted efforts of concerned citizens and Jewish activists have translated into real, concrete change for the better. As a result, Jewish students at Harvard are far more protected and valued than we were on Oct. 7, 2023.

It would be an understatement to say this has been a challenging time to be a Jewish college student, with antisemitism, protests, and fear reaching dizzying levels. The Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee’s egregious statement on Oct. 7, former University President Claudine Gay’s congressional testimony, and the chants of “intifada revolution” at the Harvard Yard encampment marked a resounding low for Jewish students on Harvard’s campus.

As I watched these events unfold during my gap year in Tel Aviv, I felt seriously apprehensive about what I would experience when I came to campus in the fall. But, luckily, things have started to improve. Since matriculating, I’ve been glad to see that Jewish life has grown more protected and valued since the horrific aftermath of Oct. 7.

Life under the spotlight isn’t new at Harvard. But during the past 500 days it’s felt like the University’s every move has been meticulously scrutinized under a microscopic lens.

This unwavering attention has proved productive though. I’m grateful that the world refused to stand by as Harvard failed to adequately address its antisemitism issue. This adamant refusal manifested itself in countless ways. For instance, widespread outrage emerged following Claudine Gay’s congressional testimony, ultimately culminating in her resignation.

In light of the increased public awareness, Harvard has also taken commendable steps to protect Jewish students on campus: namely, the establishment of an antisemitism task force and the settlements of two antisemitism lawsuits.

The antisemitism task force has already taken measures to improve life for Jewish students and affiliates. In keeping with their preliminary recommendations, the University has expanded kosher options at dining halls and begun to standardize disciplinary procedures across schools.

Individual activism has also made a difference. On Jan. 21, Harvard settled with several Jewish affiliates who had sued the University, alleging it had tolerated antisemitism. Among other measures, Harvard agreed to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism and enshrine anti-discrimination protections for Zionist students.

These reforms are important steps towards creating both an academic and social environment where “Zionist” is not used as a slur. Adopting the IHRA definition, in particular, represents an admirable stride toward finally affording Jewish students the protections they needed 500 days ago.

Undoubtedly, the past 500 days have been flooded with insurmountable darkness and loss. For the hostages and their families, passing this milestone is a stark reminder of the emotional and physical abuse that has haunted every second of every one of those days.

While this weight will always remain prominent, we still have strides to celebrate. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Jewish students, activists, and allies, we’ve persevered through the very worst, relying on community to guide us toward light and hope.

At Harvard, at least, we are finally seeing light at the end of this harrowingly long tunnel.

Chloe I. Goldberg, a Crimson Editorial editor, is a freshman in Canaday Hall.