The View from YU ; December 2023

Abstract

Dear YU Community,

Welcome to the December View from YU.

While the crisis in Israel continues, with its unprecedented challenges and uncertainties, Jews the world around are celebrating Hanukkah, a commemoration of our resilience and ability to bring light in difficult times.

In this edition of the View from YU, you will read about our inspiring 99th Annual Hanukkah Dinner, where we celebrated all those heroes who have shown unwavering courage and support in standing with Israel–the State and its populace, in particular the brave IDF soldiers on the front lines.

Expressing gratitude to the more than 500 guests in attendance, President Berman announced the establishment of the Senator Joseph Lieberman Center for Public Service and Advocacy. Founded by the Ira Mitzner and Riva Collins Mitzner Families with a generous gift of $10 million, the Center will advance YU’s mission to develop the next generation of government leaders and advocates for Israel.

In the pages that follow, you will find examples of that mission in action, from YU's historic presence at the March for Israel in Washington, D.C., where over 2,500 students, one of the largest contingents at the rally, proudly demonstrated their support for the Jewish state, to Operation Torah Shield III and its student-led chesed (compassion) mission to Israel.

Later in the month, over 150 members of the Yeshiva University Political Action Club traveled to the nation's capital to lobby Congress, urging strengthened support for Israel and the need to combat antisemitism on college campuses. And our Office of Alumni Affairs organized a highly successful online event, exploring strategies to navigate antisemitism and anti-Zionism in the workplace.

These are just some of the stories you will find in this edition of the View from YU as we unite as a community to bring light into our lives and fill the world with meaning and purpose.