YU Today, WSJ April 2024

Y eshiva University, under the leadership of its President, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, has been at the forefront of efforts supporting Israel and condemning and combatting antisemitism across university campuses. In a decisive move after Oct. 7, President Berman created a landmark coalition of leaders from higher education who stand with Israel against the terrorism perpetrated by Hamas. Guided by President Berman, the coalition, called Universities United Against Terrorism, produced a seminal statement, signed by more than 100 college and university presidents. After the founding of this historic coalition, President Berman and the YU community once again took action, serving as a driving force behind the

YU’s “Stronger Together: Night of Unity” gathers more than 1000 students, faculty and staff in support of Israel.

YU in Action

Master’s Degrees in Computer Science

Coming to the Katz School in fall 2024 are two new on-campus master’s programs in computer science. Balancing theory, systems and applications, the degrees provide pathways to jobs in a range of specializations from R&D to AI and cybersecuri- ty as well as to Ph.D. programs.

unprecedented March for Israel in Washington, D.C., the largest pro-Israel gathering in U.S. history. On Nov. 14, more than 4,000 YU students, staff and alumni, the largest contingent at the rally, proudly demonstrated their support for the Jewish state. The March for Israel organizers have credited the rally’s great success to YU’s early decision to cancel all undergraduate and

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman featured on MSNBC

Berman specifically advocated for the federal government to use the full resources at its disposal to combat antisemitism. One example is the effort to publicize the mandates of the 1990 Clery Act, which requires colleges to document all reported incidents of physical and verbal intimida- tion based on religion, race or ethnicity. On Dec. 11, President Berman met with U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, to publicize the call for students to report if they have been victims of these kinds of hate crimes. In February, YU welcomed Dr. Mauricio Karchmer, an esteemed

MIT computer science professor who resigned in December over the university’s pervasive unchecked antisemitism, to his new home at Yeshiva University as a member of the faculty. Following his much-publicized resignation, Dr. Karchmer was approached by dozens of universities across the U.S. and Israel, eager to hire the promi- nent computer scientist. But after speaking with YU, Dr. Karchmer’s decision became clear. He joined the University because it is a leader in values-based education—a mission that rests at the heart of YU’s continued call for solidarity and moral clarity across the global stage.

Taking Torah to the Skies Passengers of EL AL, the Israeli national airline, can now listen to audio recordings of YUTorah, which debuted as an online platform of Torah study more than 20 years ago. Passengers have in-flight access to shiurim (classes) from YU’s Torah personalities, rabbis and scholars.

Together

with Israel

Educating Future Public Servants

high school classes, which paved the way for others to follow. YU has also taken a leadership role in protecting Jewish college students on campuses through- out the country. President

Inspired by the living legacy of U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, YU has launched the Senator Joseph Lieberman-Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy. Founded with a generous gift from Riva and Ira Mitzner, YU’s chairman of the Board of Trustees, and their families, the center will focus on developing future civic leaders and advocates.

Community Recognition

Wurzweiler’s Care Café was among a group of select nonprofit organizations that received the New York State Senate Empire Award for its dedicated service to the neighborhoods of upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Presenting the award was State Sen. Robert Jackson (D-31), who praised these community champions for their vision.

Building Local Businesses YU’s Innovation Lab launched “B”usiness HIVE in the Heights in support of local enterprises in Washington Heights and upper Manhattan. Workshops and clinics provide pro bono advice in a range of areas: marketing/ sales, financial management, growth strategies, business operations and business law.

Yeshiva University stands strong at March for Israel in D.C.

L–R, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman chats with Dr. Mauricio Karchmer

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman with U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce

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YU Today | Education and Leadership to Empower Our Next Generation

YU Today | Education and Leadership to Empower Our Next Generation

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