Amid growing concerns over antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the United States, Yeshiva University President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman believes the strongest response is not fear, but confidence. Speaking during New York’s annual Israel Day Parade, Berman described the event as a powerful demonstration of Jewish unity and resilience, with thousands filling Fifth Avenue in a celebration of Israel and Jewish identity.
“It was a great expression of Jewish joy and Jewish pride,” he said, adding that the atmosphere reflected the values his university seeks to promote every day.
Interview with Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman at ynet studio
(Video: Yaron Berner )
Berman said Yeshiva University serves as a bridge between Jewish and non-Jewish communities, noting that most of the institution’s graduate students are not Jewish. Yet many leave with a deeper understanding of Israel, Zionism and Jewish values. The university proudly flies the Israeli flag year-round and includes both the American and Israeli national anthems in its graduation ceremonies. According to Berman, many students arrive with little knowledge of Judaism or Israel, making education and personal interaction critical tools in combating stereotypes and misinformation.
To illustrate the challenge, Berman recalled a Hanukkah event where a student from India associated the holiday with an armadillo after seeing a reference on the television show Friends. The story, he said, highlighted how unfamiliar many people are with Jewish traditions. Rather than focusing solely on defending against criticism, he said the university emphasizes the positive values at the heart of Judaism. “God created in you a light, and that light is going to brighten the world,” he told students at the event, explaining that this message often leaves a lasting impression on both Jewish and non-Jewish attendees.
While acknowledging the rise of antisemitism and what he described as the mainstreaming of anti-Zionist rhetoric in parts of American politics, Berman argued that the current climate also creates opportunities. “With disruption comes opportunity,” he said. “People want to know what Israel is truly about.” He believes that by engaging directly with communities and presenting Israel’s story through facts, values and personal relationships, supporters of Israel can counter misconceptions and demonstrate that Zionism represents not only a homeland for the Jewish people but also a commitment to contributing positively to the wider world.
The discussion also touched on aliyah and the future of Jewish life. Berman, who made aliyah himself about 17 years ago and whose children serve in the Israel Defense Forces, said he encourages students to move to Israel because of the opportunities it offers rather than out of fear. At the same time, he stressed that those who remain in the United States have an important role to play. “They have to be warriors and stand for Israel wherever they are,” he said. As debates over Israel continue to intensify on campuses and in public life, Berman remains convinced that Jewish pride, education and engagement are the most effective ways to build understanding and strengthen support for Israel.