NYC Gazette

On May 7th, the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought of Yeshiva University hosted its annual Rabbi Allan Mirvis Lecture at the Fifth Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan. The event, titled “Antisemitism, the Media, and the Jews,” drew dialogue among notable voices in Jewish media: John Podhoretz, editor of Commentary Magazine; Alana Newhouse, editor-in-chief of Tablet Magazine; and Elliot Kaufman, letters editor at the Wall Street Journal. The discussion was moderated by Straus Director Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik.

The evening began with a private reception with Rabbi Dr. Soloveichik, Ted Mirvis, Moshael Straus, the panelists, and other supporters of the Straus Center. Attendees mingled with Straus Scholars and other community members.

The main event started with remarks from Rabbi Soloveichik who memorialized Rabbi Allan Mirvis as a Jewish leader who “bridged the world of the Yeshiva with the world at large.” This was followed by an introduction from Ted Mirvis who highlighted double standards facing Jews in their fight against antisemitism. He denounced those who deny atrocities that took place on October 7th and called on audience members to continue fighting against hypocrisy and hatred being leveled at Jews in America and Israel.

Alana Newhouse spoke first among panelists. She discussed a growing disconnect between media portrayal of Israeli-Palestinian conflict and public opinion, asserting that “antisemitism is not a cause; it is a symptom.”

John Podhoretz agreed with Ms. Newhouse's observations about antisemitism on college campuses. He argued that there is something more pernicious going on involving foreign money fomenting unrest on these campuses.

Elliot Kaufman discussed America's unique relationship with Israel and warned about dangers arising without strong civic leadership. He argued that antisemitism on campus is not coming from American society at large.

The panelists then discussed responses needed from the Jewish community in the face of these challenges. Podhoretz expressed skepticism about strategies targeting legacy institutions and called for more direct political actions. Newhouse discussed the challenges of the “technological revolution” colliding with rising antisemitism, but ended on a positive note: “We have something to give the world. Let’s take advantage of it.”

In his concluding remarks, Kauffman reflected on his privilege to write about Israel for the Wall Street Journal’s editorial page and emphasized that every generation gets its own wake-up call regarding antisemitism.

The event was hosted in coordination with the Straus Impact Office, which aims to further the impact of Straus alumni, current Straus Scholars, and other students involved in politics, policy, and journalism on both of Yeshiva University’s undergraduate campuses.