YESHIVA UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
YU TODAY
This publication has been generously underwritten by the Ira Mitzner/Riva Schneck Collins families, Houston, Texas.
Leadership with Purpose
Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University at the 60th Presidential Inauguration, January 20, 2025.
A s president of Yeshiva University, education. A tireless champion of Jewish students—and all students—he has led with action, confronting rising hate and advocating for safety and moral clarity in education on the national stage. Yeshiva University’s deep commitment to academic excellence and ground-breaking research ensures that YU continues to thrive as a world- class institution that prepares students to lead with knowledge, integrity and purpose. Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman has cemented YU’s place as a leader in academic excellence and values-based Here, he discusses YU’s role in shaping higher education, strengthening future generations, and confronting today’s most pressing challenges— while fostering a rigorous academic environment that empowers students to make an impact in our society and across the world.
At a time when higher education is facing major challenges, what sets Yeshiva University apart? While many universities are facing steep enrollment declines, Yeshiva University is thriving and our commitment to academic excellence, student success and a values-driven education has made YU a destination for top talent. Over the last seven years, for example, overall graduate enrollment has doubled, while the Katz School of Science and Health has grown by 400%. To meet this demand, we have introduced more than 20 new graduate programs in STEM, health sciences and business, ensuring that our students are prepared for the careers of the future. This year, we also welcomed the first cohort of students in our Accelerated B.S. in Nursing Program, which will train urgently needed nurses in just 16 months. At the undergraduate level, initiatives like the Honors Leadership Society are attracting the brightest young leaders, empowering them to bring hope, strength, and moral clarity to society. YU isn’t just weathering the challenges in higher education—we are leading the way, shaping the future with purpose and impact. What was the significance of delivering the benediction at the 60th U.S. Presidential Inauguration? It was both a privilege and a responsibility, rearming that faith belongs in the national conversation, especially in times of turmoil. As I prayed for the return of hostages and peace in Israel and the Middle East, I felt the weight of those words— not just as my own beliefs, but as a voice for Yeshiva University and faith-based institutions nationwide. Being the only university president to speak underscored that leadership means standing for what is right and ensuring that our country’s founding values continue to shape the future. To hear the benediction and read my reflections on the experience, visit yu.edu/president. How is Yeshiva University responding to the rise in anti- semitism, particularly on college campuses? We live in a time when Jewish students feel vulnerable simply for being Jewish. As the flagship Jewish university, we take an active role in combating antisemitism through education, advocacy and coalition-building—‘Never Again’ is not just a lesson from the past, but a mandate for our present and future. Taking decisive action to safeguard Jewish college students nationwide, YU launched the Robert K. Kraft Blue Square Scholars program to support those transferring to YU for a top-tier education in a safe, welcoming environment. The initiative provided the resources to welcome the best and brightest who value our strong stance on Israel and Jewish ideals. At the same time, we continue to attract faculty from prestigious institutions who are drawn to an academic community that reflects their ideals. YU remains dedicated to providing an elite academic education—where students can learn, grow and lead with confidence.
Why are more students turning to faith-based universities over traditional elite institutions? America is searching for meaning. Too many universities have drifted from their foundational values, leaving students unfulfilled and allowing hate to fester. Students want more than a degree—they seek purpose, moral clarity and a life of impact. At YU, this shift is obvious. Applications are at an all-time high, Ivy League students are transferring in, and donations have surged. Students are choosing an education that pairs progress with purpose, knowledge with wisdom, and truth with virtue. How do YU’s relationships with global leaders reflect your vision for its leadership? Leadership means taking action—engaging with world leaders, shaping conversations and standing firm in defining moments. When I met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, we discussed the urgent need to combat antisemitism on U.S. campuses. He praised YU’s leadership in bringing American university presidents to the March of the Living, ensuring Holocaust education remains central to this fight. This mission was built on an unprecedented coalition I founded, bringing together more than 100 universities, including public, private and HBCUs who condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization. Honoring Senator Fetterman at commencement was a recognition of his steadfast support for Israel, which has been a beacon in these challenging times. These engagements reinforce YU’s position at the center of national and global conversations. How does Yeshiva University strengthen its connection to Israel through academic programs, partnerships, and student experiences? Our dedication to Israel extends beyond moments of crisis— it is woven into our institution through academic programs, activism and deep partnerships. Through our S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program, hundreds of students spend a year immersed in studies in Israel, strengthening their spiritual and academic foundations. Our partnerships with leading Israeli institutions foster collabora- tion in fields like technology, business and medical innovation, ensuring that Israel remains central to our educational mission. We provide immersive experiences through summer internships and leadership missions, and we recently launched the Yeshiva University in Israel Undergraduate Program, where students can earn a YU degree in partnership with top Israeli universities. But our bond with our beloved Israel is more than academic. It is a commitment to its people, values, and future. We stand with Israel in times of strength and challenge, advocating for its security, supporting its citizens, and instilling in our students a lifelong dedication to supporting Israel and contributing positively to our broader world. • •
A Letter from Our Chairman
Yeshiva University is built on a foundation of education, service and leadership—one that extends far beyond the walls of our campuses. Every day, our students, faculty and alumni bring their knowledge and values to bear on the world’s most pressing challenges, making a tangible dierence in the lives of individuals and communities locally and across the globe. YU’s reach extends far beyond the classroom. With 11 undergraduate and graduate schools across four campuses and a global network of more than 70,000 alumni, we are forging the future through groundbreaking initiatives— all guided by President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman’s vision that we must be drivers of our destiny. This dedication to meaningful impact fuels YU’s far-reaching programs. The Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice at YU’s Cardozo School of Law works to overturn wrongful convictions and reform forensic science. The Wurzweiler School of Social Work’s Care Café provides vital mental health services to veterans, domestic violence survivors and Holocaust survivors. The Parnes Clinic at YU’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology oers low-cost psychological care to underserved communities in the Bronx. And in Israel, the Jerusalem Therapy Center is delivering critical mental health support to English speakers, lone soldiers, and gap-year students—meeting an urgent need in the wake of Oct. 7.
At the heart of these initiatives are the individuals who bring them to life. In this issue of YU Today, you’ll read about students and faculty working to make a dierence—whether through legal advocacy for people with disabilities or breakthrough research in genetics. These examples reflect the very essence of our university—an institution dedicated not only to academic excel- lence but to bettering the world through influence and innovation. Thanks to Dr. Berman’s vision of academic excellence and continued growth, we are making historic invest- ments in our students’ futures. This year, YU signed one of the largest real estate deals in New York City, securing space in Herald Square for a new health science campus. This major expansion will include YU’s new College of Dental Medicine, which will address critical healthcare shortages. Inspired by the legacy of Sen. Joseph Lieberman, we also launched the Lieberman–Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy, which will prepare students to lead in government, law, and public policy. This dramatic progress is made possible by our community of supporters. Because of your generosity, and the generosity of visionary leaders such as Mark and Zygi Wilf, Robert Kraft, Chella Safra, Dan Loeb and Bill Ackman, we have already raised more than $520 million toward our $613 million Capital Campaign goal—a remarkable achievement that reflects the deep belief in YU’s mission. These contributions are directly fueling student scholarships,
pioneering research and state-of-the-art facilities, guaranteeing that YU contin- ues to lead for generations to come. Yet, our financial needs continue to rise. Over 80% of YU students depend on financial aid, making scholarships a critical priority. The University remains committed to ensuring that financial constraints never stand in the way of a YU education. Please consider adopting a YU scholar(s) by making a $100,000 gift over four years. Now, more than ever, we turn to our alumni and friends to help strengthen and expand YU’s reach. Investing in student support, faculty recruitment and cutting-edge academic resources will allow us to sustain our momentum as we push forward in this critical work. YU is building something extraordinary, and we invite you to be part of it. Your investment in Yeshiva University is an investment in the next generation of trailblazers and changemakers— individuals who will shape the Jewish community and the world for the better.
Thank you for your continued support, your belief in our mission and your partnership in this journey.
With appreciation,
Ira M. Mitzner Chairman, Board of Trustees
Inside
Avraham Frohlich Building Bridges Through Music, Outreach and Advocacy
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Dr. Irina Catrina One YU: Advancing Science Across Departments & Disciplines
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YU In Action
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Tahereh Ghafoori
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Welcomed and Empowered: An International Student’s Experience at Yeshiva University
Ezra Littlewood
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Championing Families: A Law Student’s Mission to Right Systemic Wrongs
Beyond Our Walls
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YU Students Help Those Around the Corner and Around the World • The Max and Celia Parnes Family Psychological and Psychoeducational Services Clinic
• Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice
• Jerusalem Therapy Center
• Care Café
• FeedNYC
• Counterpoint Israel
• START Science!
Building Bridges Through Music, Outreach and Advocacy
AVRAHAM FROHLICH ’25 Yeshiva College
H aving just visited Auschwitz on the 80th anniversary of the camp’s liberation, an Ausch- witz Jewish Center Founda- tion (AJCF) delegation of Jews and African Americans linked arms and began to sing. Yeshiva University student Avraham Frohlich ’25YC, an English and music dou- ble major, sang “Lean on Me” with depth and feeling, harmonizing with gospel sing- er Victory Boyd on the streets of Warsaw. Other prominent African Americans in the group included Van Jones, John Hope Bryant and Raymond Roker. As the song reached its crescendo, it underscored Frohlich’s deep commitment to recogniz- ing the shared humanity that unites us all. “Those are moments that just stay with you for the rest of your life,” said Frohlich, whose AJCF group visited Auschwitz and other Holocaust sites in Poland to strength- en Black-Jewish relations. “It was a power- ful experience to share. Even though we may come from other communities or cultures, we can still find ways to recognize our common humanity. If we don’t, every- thing just falls apart.” Frohlich has taken this lesson to heart, working on philanthropic initiatives that started at YU and now span the globe. He credits a YU humanitarian trip to El Salva- dor and Guatemala with inspiring his com- mitment to cross-cultural partnerships. During the trip, he delivered supplies to support community-building eorts. “When I traveled to Central America, I brought my guitar,” Frohlich said. “I don’t speak much Spanish, and many of them didn’t speak English, but we bonded through music. I remember sitting in a school garden in a Guatemalan village, surrounded by kids, playing ‘Baby Shark’ on my guitar. It was the one song we all knew, and in that moment, we connected.” Through his Jewish identity and music,
to elementary school children in Washing- ton Heights. He is equally committed to mental health advocacy and leads YU’s Active Minds club. For the last two years he coordinated Stomp Out the Stigma. One of the university’s most popular annual events, it raises awareness and encourages open conversations about mental health challenges. Frohlich knows the challenges the world faces are profound and complex with no simple solutions. Still, he remains com- mitted to bridging divides in whatever ways he can. “I believe connection is how we solve problems,” he said. “We have to recognize each other’s shared humanity.” Through his studies and his music (he is releasing an album of original music this summer), Frohlich continues to embrace tradition and connection. This spring, he will return to Central America—his guitar, as always, in hand.
Frohlich has a twofold perspective: one rooted in heritage, the other in forging con- nections beyond it. He is part of Yeshiva University’s tight-knit community, strength- ening a 3,000-year-old tradition, yet he also seeks to build bridges with other communi- ties. While study and academics are essen- tial, the immediacy of shared experience also has a profound impact—one reason music is so powerful. As Frohlich put it, music is “the universal language of human- ity” and, more than that, “a way of bringing people together.” After his trip to Central America, Frohlich became dedicated to making a dif- ference on and o campus. As a coordina- tor with Yachad, an international organiza- tion promoting inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities, he helps run weekend retreats and skills training programs. His eorts also extend to education. As a student instructor in YU’s START Science! program, he brings the wonders of science
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YU Today | Leadership with Purpose
One YU: Advancing
Science Across Departments & Disciplines
IRINA CATRINA, PH.D. Associate Professor of Chemistry, Yeshiva University
T uesday afternoon in Dr. Irina Catrina’s chemistry lab hums with quiet focus. A biology undergrad meticulous- ly pipettes liquids into vials, a biochemistry major fine- tunes reaction conditions, and a graduate student in biotechnology management pores over genetic sequences—each bringing a unique skill set to the shared pursuit of discovery. At many universities, rigid academic structures keep research- ers—and students—confined to their own fields. Yeshiva University takes a dierent approach, encouraging faculty and students across its undergraduate and graduate schools, and across disparate disci- plines, to work together. A powerful example of this collaborative approach is the work of Dr. Catrina, professor of chemistry at Yeshiva College, and Dr. Josefa Steinhauer, professor of biology at Yeshiva College, who, to- gether, secured a $600,000 National Science Foundation grant for research on gene expression regulation. Their groundbreaking work explores how cells precisely control RNA expression—critical for embryonic development and disease prevention—potentially influencing breakthroughs in genetic disorder treatments and bio- medical research. What makes this prestigious grant especially significant is that its preliminary data was funded by a seed grant from the Katz School of Science and Health’s Faculty Research Initiative, which supports STEM and health research at YU. Faculty from any de- partment or graduate school can apply as long as their project in- cludes Katz faculty or graduate students. Since launching in 2022, the initiative has driven research in ar- tificial intelligence, biotechnology, mathematics, physics, neurosci- ence, environmental science and occupational therapy, as well as advancing studies in cancer biology, genetics, machine learning and mental health. “We’re breaking down barriers between disciplines,” said Dr. Marian Gidea, associate dean for STEM Education and Research at Katz, who heads the program. “We know that the best discoveries happen when brilliant minds from dierent fields join forces.” Catrina’s work embraces this approach. By merging molecular
techniques from chemistry with genetic system analysis from biol- ogy, she and Steinhauer created a partnership that deepens their understanding of complex biological processes. “The two disci- plines are deeply connected,” Catrina said. “Bringing them together allows us to ask bigger questions and discern deeper insights.” Students like Andres Romero, a second-year biotechnology management student at Katz, experience this firsthand. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia and trained as a mechanical engineer, he has worked in Catrina’s lab since summer 2024. “We all learn from one another, filling in gaps in our knowledge and pushing our work forward in ways none of us could alone,” he said. Romero’s work in the lab complements his business-focused graduate studies, giving him a competitive edge in the job market. “This kind of scientific exposure makes a real dierence in my future,” he said. The spirit of teamwork extends beyond the lab. As Catrina not- ed, YU’s uniquely supportive culture fosters partnerships that can be rare in academia. “Everyone here is eager to help—whether it’s colleagues exchanging ideas, students jumping into new projects or university leadership providing resources,” she said. “There’s a real sense of community and shared purpose.” The success of Catrina’s research also shows how Katz’s seed funding can pave the way for major external grants, a model that will continue driving research across YU. While many institutions struggle with compartmentalized re- search, YU is proving that cross-disciplinary collaboration is essen- tial; having undergraduates and graduate students working side by side elevates the quality of research. “This isn’t about one grant or one lab,” Gidea said. “It’s about creating a research culture where collaboration is the norm, not the exception. We are building an environment that reflects the best of YU—rigorous, mission-driven and designed to make a real impact.”
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YU Today | Leadership with Purpose
YU Launches Blue Square Scholars Program
YU
In collaboration with philan- thropist Robert Kraft, YU established the Robert K. Kraft Blue Square Scholars program to support transfer students seeking a quality education at a campus that remains safe from antisemitism.
Remembering Oct. 7: Unity and Hope
The YU community gathered in Lamport Auditorium for an evening of reflection, remembrance, and inspiration to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the October 7th massacre in Israel.
in Action n
100th Hanukkah Dinner
YU marked the 100th anniversary of its gala Hanukkah Dinner. That night also marked a second milestone when the University announced that it had raised $100 million for its Capital Campaign, which launched four years ago, bringing it to $520 million of its $613-million goal.
YU Expands its Footprint in Midtown
YU is establishing a state-of-the- art health-sciences campus in the 10-story Herald Center building in Manhattan’s Herald Square.
YU in Israel Welcomes Inaugural Class
In fall 2024, the Yeshiva University in Israel Undergraduate Program (YUI) welcomed its first cohort. Through YUI, students pursue excellence in Torah studies while earning a YU degree in partnership with Israel’s Tel Aviv and Bar-Ilan Universities.
University Presidents Join Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman at WWII Concentration Camp Dr. Ari Berman led a delegation of University presidents to Auschwitz for the 2024 International March of the Living.
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YU Today | Leadership with Purpose
YU Expands Global Reach with New Certificate Program
YU Community Gathers in Celebration of Israel
With pride and unity, hundreds of Yeshiva University students, alumni, faculty and sta came together at the Celebrate Israel Parade on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue.
The Bernard Revel Graduate School is oering an Advanced Certificate in Jewish Studies, tailored for Korean students in South Korea and the United States. The Zoom-based program provides recent graduates and professionals with an in-depth exploration of Jewish studies and Jewish-Christian relations.
YU Establishes Honors Leadership Society
The Honors Leadership Society oers top-tier students, selected for their excellence and values to shape the future, four scholars programs: Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought Scholars, Sacks–Herenstein Leadership Scholars, Lieberman–Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy Scholars, and YU– Einstein Medical Scholars.
Anne Frank Exhibit Comes to New York
The Center for Jewish History, home of Yeshiva University Museum, is hosting “Anne Frank: The Exhibition,” a full-scale recreation of the attic space where the Frank family hid from the Nazis for two years during World War II.
YU Alumni Day with the Mets
At YU’s Alumni Day with the Mets, Dr. Ari Berman threw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch, kicking o a day of baseball and community.
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YU Today | Leadership with Purpose
Welcomed and Empowered: An International Student’s Experience at Yeshiva University
TAHEREH GHAFOORI ’25 Katz School of Science and Health M.S. Candidate in Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship W ith a single-minded focus, Tahereh (Tara) Ghafoori had one goal—to study biotech at a top American university. The path was not easy. As an Iranian student, securing a U.S. visa was a long and compli- cated process, but she remained determined. When she finally re- ceived approval, it was the moment she had dreamed of—a chance to build the future she had worked so hard to achieve. But just as one door opened, another challenge arose—her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Despite her illness, she urged Ghafoori to go. “This is your chance to make your future,” she told her daughter. “My mom pushed me to come to the U.S. and attend Yeshiva University,” Ghafoori said. “And it is something I will never forget. You can accomplish anything if you have one person who believes in you.” Thanks to her mother’s encouragement, Ghafoori chose a path of hope and is thriving at Yeshiva University’s Katz School of Sci- ence and Health. She was drawn to the school’s innovative M.S. in Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship, which aligned with her dream of taking medical discoveries out of the lab and into the marketplace. Once at Katz, she soon discovered that many of her classmates were international students. Ghafoori recalls how the welcoming sense of community—among her peers and the school’s supportive sta—made an immediate impact. So much so that she decided to join the student association. When asked what it has been like for a student from a Muslim country to study at the flagship Jewish university in the United States, Ghafoori said it has been a warm experience because every- one at YU has been very welcoming. “The atmosphere is very family-like,” she added. “People know me, talk to me, ask me about my day. It helps me a lot.” Ghafoori immersed herself in her studies in biotech, working in the labs of Dr. Margarita Vigodner, professor of biology, to develop solutions for male infertility, as well as with Professor Robert Friedman to combine science and business management. Through YU, she secured an internship with a local health-care startup, where she is part of a team developing an app that helps patients manage their medication dosages and schedules. Her commitment to building community extends beyond the classroom. She launched a weekly Katz School newsletter to high-
light professional development opportunities so that students can expand their networks. And her leadership quickly stood out. Just a year and a half after arriving at Katz, she was elected president of the Katz Student Association. “Here at Katz, I have made many friends from around the world,” said Ghafoori. “It is inspiring to study alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, and it has made me realize that we all speak the same language: humanity.” Once armed with her degree, she plans to pursue a career in health care, where she hopes to bring medical advancements to those who need them most. Looking back on her journey, she realized that there is one mo- ment that stands out above all—the day her mother looked her in the eyes and said “You must go! You will regret it if you stay. You must make your future. This is your chance!” And that made all the dierence. “I made my family proud,” she said. “My mom is doing well, and it means everything to see my parents happy. I have grown so much and pushed myself to build a better life. Now I know I can achieve my dreams—for all of us.”
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Championing Families: A Law Student’s Mission to Right Systemic Wrongs
EZRA LITTLEWOOD ’25 Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
E zra Littlewood ’25C didn’t plan to become a lawyer. But some- where between his father’s de- cades-long career as a special education teacher and his own experience working alongside adults with develop- mental disabilities, the pieces began to fall into place. “That job opened my eyes,” he said, re- calling his early post-college work at a greenhouse staed by adults with disabili- ties. “I saw how many of the same systems that are supposed to help people with dis- abilities can also create barriers.” Now in his third year at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Littlewood is turn- ing that awareness into action. Through Cardozo’s Bet Tzedek Civil Litigation Clin- ic, which provides pro bono representation in civil cases, he advocates for low-income families seeking services for children with disabilities. His work in disability rights earned him a Sacks Impact Scholars fellowship, a pres- tigious program within The Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Val- ues and Leadership. Each year, a select group of Yeshiva University graduate stu- dents across disciplines is awarded fellow- ships to develop projects addressing criti- cal social issues. As part of his project, Littlewood is working with his program-assigned men- tor at the Bet Tzedek Clinic to create a plain-language, step-by-step toolkit to help parents navigate the legal and bureaucratic maze of Medicaid waivers without needing a lawyer. The goal is to ensure that more families can access Home and Community- Based Services (HCBS), a Medicaid pro- gram designed to keep children with dis- abilities out of institutions and in their family homes. “Historically, people with disabilities were placed in institutions, isolated from
his approach at Bet Tzedek, where hands- on experience has given him insight into the legal system from multiple angles. “I’ve worked on guardianship reform, parole ad- vocacy and disability rights—each oering a dierent perspective on the law.” His time as a Sacks Impact Scholar has expanded that perspective. “The program connects students from dierent fields— law, psychology, education—all working on public-interest projects,” he said. “It’s in- spiring to see how dierent disciplines approach the same fundamental issues of access and justice.” With graduation approaching, Little- wood is keeping his options open. He hopes to clerk for a judge, then continue his work in public interest law. “I don’t know exactly what shape my career will take, but I know I want to make an impact,” he said. “Individual cases are deeply rewarding, but the real challenge— the real need—is for structural change.”
their families and communities,” he ex- plained. “We’ve moved away from that, but in the process, access to critical services hasn’t kept up. Some families are still fall- ing through the cracks.” Littlewood has seen firsthand how those cracks can become chasms. One of his cases involves a young girl repeatedly denied enrollment in the HCBS waiver program despite meeting eligibility re- quirements. He has appealed her case mul- tiple times. Along the way, he has consulted with families facing the same denials— families left to navigate a system so dense with rules and requirements that even legal experts struggle to untangle it. “After working with enough families, I realized the problem wasn’t just individual cases—it was structural,” he said. “There are great organizations providing legal as- sistance, but they can only take on so many cases. The goal is to empower families to advocate for themselves so they don’t have to wait for help that might never come.” That broader perspective has shaped
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YU Today | Leadership with Purpose
Beyond
Beyond its reputation for academic excellence, Yeshiva University provides a values-driven education that inspires students to give back to their communities and beyond. YU students proudly live their values, dedicating their time, efforts, knowledge and talents to help others. Below are some of the many programs and initiatives they engage in to make the world a better place. OurWalls YU Students Help Those Around the Corner and Around theWorld
Presurgery Interventions In consort with several medical departments at the Montefiore Medical Center (including ENT, surgery and anesthesiology), Ferkauf’s Health Psychology students have been conducting motivational interviews in an eort to decrease presurgical anxiety and cancellations. This initiative is in its second year. Mental Health Counseling (MHC) Program Students in Ferkauf’s 20-year- old Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program are seeing patients at the Parnes Clinic. They have joined the school’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program as its newest cohort of student therapists. Ferkauf/Parnes Predoctoral Internship Parnes, which has full membership in the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), oers the only predoctoral internship based at a training
The Max and Celia Parnes Family Psychological and Psychoeducational Services Clinic: Bringing Ferkauf’s Expertise to the Local Community
The Parnes Clinic’s mission is to oer compassionate and aordable psychological care to a broad-based population. It provides a wide range of supervised state-of-the-art therapies and is especially important to those who cannot otherwise aord or access these services within the community. Recently introduced programs and initiatives include: Lemle Clinic for Non-Verbal Learning Disorder The first clinic on the East Coast treating people with non-verbal learning disorder, it provides treatment and assessment. Its ocial opening was in September 2024.
For more than 45 years, the Max and Celia Parnes Family Psychological and Psycho- educational Services Clinic has served as the teaching and training center of YU’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. At the university’s Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus in the Northeast Bronx, the clinic, under the leadership of Dr. William Salton, oers low-cost, confidential, state-of- the-art mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families living in the Bronx and the greater New York City communities.
clinic, providing a unique opportunity for psychology graduate students. Interns treat eight to 10 patients at Parnes, and in addition, train YU’s Katz School of Science and Health’s Physician Assistant students to do mental-health evaluations as part of their practicum training in psychiatry. Research on Immigrant Patients In April 2024, the Parnes Clinic received an interdisci- plinary research grant, along with YU’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, to perform qualitative research on the immigrant patients at Parnes.
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YU Today | Leadership with Purpose
the nation. The deputy director, Derrick Hamilton, was himself falsely imprisoned for over 20 years and won his own exoneration while helping fellow incarcerated individuals with their cases.
studying abroad for the first time, or new immigrants struggling to adjust to life in Israel, the center has become a valuable resource for those seeking help. The center also serves often-overlooked demographics, such as soldiers and their families struggling with PTSD and war-induced anxieties, lone soldiers and others experiencing conflict- related trauma. Working at the center oers Wurzweiler students the chance to develop their skills through clinical fieldwork placements under the guidance of experienced clinicians. As a result, they build essential expertise while giving back to the community. “Since the war became part of daily life in Israel, we’ve seen a sharp rise in trauma and anxiety cases, particularly those linked to war-related stress,” said Dr. Nechama Munk, co-director of the
Jerusalem Therapy Center: A Vital Resource for Those
Seeking Mental Health Services in Israel
legal education program in scientific evidence designed for practicing attorneys. With the help of world-renowned attorneys and faculty, the center provides unique opportunities for Cardozo students to represent clients and build practical skills for courts, legal negotiations and policy advocacy. For example, in October 2024, the Perlmutter Center successfully attained resen- tencing for a client who needed advanced care. The center has also been working on an actual innocence case that seeks to overturn the conviction of an Ohio man accused of a 1991 murder. He was convicted on only the word of one eyewitness who has since recanted his testimony and admitted to lying on the stand. Despite this, he has not been granted relief. The center’s sta and Cardozo students are continuously working to bring the injustice of the case to the public’s attention. The Perlmutter Center was established through a $15-million philanthropic donation from the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Foundation. Its executive director, Josh Dubin, is one of the preemi- nent civil rights attorneys and legal strategy consultants in
Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice: Seeking Justice for the Wrongfully Incarcerated Students at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law gain hands-on experience through the Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice, which seeks justice for individuals wrongfully incarcerated and those serving disproportionate and inequitable sentences. The center was founded on the idea that attorneys who do not understand the proper use of forensic evidence in criminal cases can contribute to wrongful convictions and excessive sentencing that disproportionally aect marginalized communities. The center has two compo- nents. The first, The Perlmut- ter Freedom Clinic at Cardozo Law, teaches students to advocate for clients whose convictions were based on the misuse of forensic evidence. Assisting the center’s attor- neys, students also seek resentencing and clemency for clients with excessively long sentences. The second, The Perlmutter Forensic Science Education Program, features a
A partnership of YU’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work and the social services organization Amudim Israel, the Jerusalem Therapy Center fills a critical need for aordable, English-language mental health services in Israel by providing professional care for English speakers, gap-year students and Israelis. The center is staed by
Jerusalem Therapy Center. “We’ve trained therapists in trauma-informed care and continue providing specialized courses to help our team support clients through these unprecedented times.”
Wurzweiler graduate students, recent graduates and other professionals who specialize in a variety of modalities and concentrations such as addiction, anxiety and trauma. Whether it is serving those suering psychologically from the conflict in Israel, students
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YU Today | Leadership with Purpose
Beyond
OurWalls
assistance and training around the development of communi- ty and organizational assess-
culture of service that extends from Washington Heights to the broader city. Project Feed NYC, a YU student-led club with more than 600 members on its message boards, organizes weekly shifts at food kitchens run by the MainChance Drop-In Center in Midtown Manhattan and the ARC Fort Washington Senior Center in northern Manhattan. YU students help prepare and serve meals to those in need. The club also runs an annual winter clothing drive. “Our objective is to continually increase the pool of dedicated volunteers so that we can support those in need nearly every day of the week,” say its organizers. On Fridays, YU students gather at WSCAH’s Washing- ton Heights food packing and distribution center to assemble food parcels that are delivered to families on the Upper West Side. Working alongside volunteers from across the city, they see their eorts as an opportunity to fight hunger and a way to forge connections with fellow New Yorkers.
ments, program design coaching and workforce development.
“We are humbled, full of gratitude and filled with joy with each opportunity to host a Care Café program or initiative,” said Moore. “In 2025, we wish to continue to expand our reach across New York City and support diversified community capacity-building eorts.” YU Students Fight Hunger and Support Their Neighbors Yeshiva University students are making a tangible impact on food insecurity in New York City through their participa- tion in FeedNYC and the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH), a nonprofit food pantry. These initiatives connect students with meaningful volunteer opportunities, reinforcing a
New York City’s most vulnerable populations. The need is great, and Care Café responds with a range of programs, including mental health services for veterans dealing with PTSD; trauma and substance abuse; support for Holocaust survivors; distribution of fresh produce to students at a Bronx high school; hands-on self-defense training and presentations during Domestic Violence Awareness Month; clothing drives; and creative arts programming for older adults. In its eorts to strengthen local initiatives, the Care Café supports organizations by
Care Café: The Spirit of Social Work in Action A jewel in the crown of YU’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, the Care Café is a community-based initiative that provides psychoeduca- tional support through accessible workshops and events in the New York metropolitan area. Led by Dr. Kimberly Moore, the Care Café was born of Wurzweiler’s mission to provide outreach, support and involvement in the health and well-being of local communities. The Care Café is at the forefront of providing compassionate assistance to
providing access to the academic resources of
Wurzweiler. These resources include customized technical
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YU Today | Leadership with Purpose
treasured educational journey for Washington Heights’ aspiring young scientists and oers enormous benefits for local public-school students as well as YU students. Toward the end of each school year, the program holds a celebration on the Wilf Campus with hundreds of schoolchildren, YU’s START Science! student-volunteers, the Bicko family, and university faculty and administrators in attendance. The event, designed like a science fair, features hours of hands-on learning and a mobile science lab. The program oers YU students the opportunity to put the university’s values into action and give back in a meaningful way. In fact, with nearly 240 undergraduate volunteers, START Science!
START Science!: Bringing Local Elementary School Students and YU Undergraduates Together To Share a Love of Science For more than a decade, START Science!, a YU student-run program, has brought science enrichment to local schoolchildren through weekly in-class demonstra- tions on such topics as biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. Active in various Washington Heights schools, START Science! primarily works with students in grades four to seven. Each YU student volunteer is dedicated to a specific team that works with the same class throughout the semester. Thanks to the generosity of the Bicko family, START Science! has become a
A special event held by Counterpoint students for the children of Sderot left the town’s mayor, Alon Davidi, visibly moved. He told the students how much their presence and solidarity meant to the beleaguered residents. Despite the war, Counterpoint Israel was at capacity, making YU extraordinarily proud as its students demonstrated their commitment to supporting and rebuilding Israel at this most crucial time. “Counterpoint Israel provides YU students an opportunity to engage with Israeli society through immersive volunteering in ways and areas where the need is greatest,” said Stephanie Strauss, executive director, Yeshiva University in Israel. “Especially during this challenging time for Israel, whether farming produce, entertaining Israeli youth or comforting those in pain, our students are there to contribute.”
Counterpoint Israel: YU Students Volunteer To Help the People of Israel The Counterpoint Israel program, an integral part of YU’s Israel summer oerings since 2006, looks to inspire long-lasting positive change in disparate communities across Israel. In summer 2024, 20 Counterpoint participants from Yeshiva University worked tirelessly on farms in Israel’s south that were left abandoned after the Oct. 7 attacks. They painted and repaired houses in Gaza border towns and supported survivors by listening to their stories about the horrors of that day. They also visited key memorial sites, including the Nova Music Festival grounds and the Sderot police station, to bear witness and show their support for survivors of the tragedy.
boasts one of the largest memberships of all YU student-run clubs.
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YU Today | Leadership with Purpose
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