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Edited by: Fern Sidman
Rabbi Ari Berman of Yeshiva University delivered a poignant benediction at President Donald Trump’s second inauguration on Monday, invoking the plight of Israeli hostages in Gaza and the rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses. His remarks, filled with hope and gratitude, resonated deeply in light of ongoing conflicts and societal challenges.
Berman, wearing a knitted yarmulke and a yellow-ribbon pin symbolizing solidarity with the hostages, praised President Trump for his pivotal role in brokering the recent hostage-ceasefire deal in Gaza. The rabbi also expressed optimism for Trump’s potential to foster greater peace between Israel and Arab nations during his second term. “America is called to greatness, to be a beacon of light and a mover of history,” Berman stated, emphasizing Trump’s empathy for families of Israeli and American hostages, as was reported in The Jewish News of Northern California. He celebrated the return of three young women the day before and prayed for a peaceful Middle East.
Rabbi Berman addressed the troubling surge of pro-Hamas protests across U.S. campuses, a phenomenon that has intensified since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel. According to the information provided in The Jewish News of Northern California, he urged divine guidance for academic institutions, advocating for progress to align with moral and ethical virtues. “Guide our schools and college campuses, which have been experiencing such unrest, to inspire the next generation to pair progress with purpose, knowledge with wisdom, and truth with virtue,” he said.
Rabbi Berman was one of five clergy members invited to speak at the ceremony, joining diverse representatives from Black evangelical, Roman Catholic, and other religious communities. Notably absent was Husham Al-Husainy, an imam from Dearborn, Michigan, whose previously announced participation was unexplained by the White House, as was reported by The Jewish News of Northern California.
Leading Yeshiva University since 2017, Rabbi Berman has guided the institution through significant cultural and political shifts.
Rabbi Berman’s educational journey is closely intertwined with Yeshiva University, where he completed undergraduate and rabbinical studies, later returning to teach Talmud. His leadership extended beyond the U.S., as he earned a doctorate in Jewish thought from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and spearheaded initiatives at the Hechal Shlomo Jewish Heritage Center. These experiences, coupled with his time at Herzog College in Judea and Samaria, have shaped his impactful career.
A survey conducted by The Commentator, Yeshiva University’s student newspaper several months ago revealed that over 80% of YU students intended to vote for Donald Trump in the November election, with Israel cited as the driving factor behind their choice. The report in The Jewish News of Northern California indicated that this finding highlights a broader trend among Modern Orthodox Jews in America, many of whom view Trump as a staunch ally of Israel and a trusted figure in combating rising anti-Semitism.
A separate survey conducted in December among American Jews reinforced this sentiment, showing that a plurality of Modern Orthodox respondents placed their trust in Trump’s ability to address issues relating to Israel and anti-Semitism, according to the report in The Jewish News of Northern California. The alignment of Modern Orthodox values with Trump’s policies on Israel speaks volumes about his appeal within this demographic.
In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Rabbi Berman galvanized efforts to support Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Under his leadership, the university initiated fundraising campaigns, organized prayer groups, and provided online tutoring for Israeli children impacted by the violence, as was indicated in the report in The Jewish News of Northern California. Moreover, Rabbi Berman encouraged Jewish students facing anti-Semitism on other campuses to transfer to YU. This proactive stance contributed to a 52% surge in YU’s enrollment, according to officials.
Rabbi Berman’s efforts to integrate the university’s mission with unwavering support for Israel have reshaped the institution’s daily life. “After Oct. 7, every prayer, every class, every day at Yeshiva University has changed and been charged with the mission of supporting Israel and the Jewish people,” Rabbi Berman stated in a recent speech, as was noted in The Jewish News of Northern California.
In May, Rabbi Berman met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, presenting him with a copy of his 2023 book, “The Final Exam: Letters to Our Students.” The meeting symbolized a deep bond between Yeshiva University and Israel’s leadership, emphasizing the institution’s pivotal role in supporting global Jewish communities.
The events following Oct. 7 and the broader alignment of YU’s community with Trump’s policies have spotlighted the university’s evolving role as a hub for Modern Orthodox advocacy, education, and support for Israel. Rabbi Berman’s leadership continues to inspire students and alumni alike in their commitment to Jewish values and global Jewish solidarity.
