The View from YU ; May 2023

Abstract

As you will read about in the pages that follow, we will honor two individuals at Commencement who represent our core Torah values through their vision, leadership and devotion to the Jewish people. Our keynote speaker and Presidential Medallion recipient will be Dr. Daniel Gold, a key member of Israel’s defense and technology team who developed Israel’s Iron Dome, effectively saving thousands of Jewish lives. As Israel celebrates its 75th birthday, it is particularly fitting for us to host one of the heroes who continue to safeguard its vitality and security.¶

Holocaust survivor, visionary and philanthropist Emil A. Fish, founder of YU’s groundbreaking Emil A. and Jenny Fish Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies will receive an honorary doctorate. Through his contributions, the Holocaust and its victims will never be forgotten, and future generations will learn the critical lessons history can, and must, teach us.¶

YU graduate schools, which create excellent and caring practitioners in various professional fields, are also celebrating commencement season. The May VFYU contains a full schedule of graduate school Commencements and celebrations.¶

Other exciting events covered in this issue include Yom HaZikaron & Yom Ha’atzmaut ceremonies; an historic YU conference in Dubai that fostered dialogue between Jews and Muslims in the Middle East; and the opening of the comprehensive Maimonides exhibition at the YU Museum.¶

Commencement at the flagship Jewish university is truly a milestone — not just for YU students, but for the Jewish people at large. Honoring Israel, strengthening Holocaust education and celebrating our students, the leaders of tomorrow, it is not simply a graduation, it is the living story of Jewish destiny.