NYC Gazette

On July 10, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, Assistant Professor of Judaic Studies and Director of the Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University, was appointed to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

“It is a profound honor to be asked to serve on USCIRF,” Rabbi Meir Soloveichik said. “Religious liberty lies at the heart of the American idea, and the Commission's task in promoting the cause of international religious freedom reflects Lincoln's belief that America is meant to embody ‘a great promise to all the people of the world.’"

USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on threats to religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion or belief.

Rabbi Soloveichik is also the director of the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University. The Center focuses on studying Jewish and Western canons, producing courses and books on shared values between Judaism and America. In his role as director, Rabbi Soloveichik has promoted religious freedom and highlighted connections between Judaism and values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

He has lectured internationally on topics related to faith in America, Jewish theology, Jewish-Christian relations, among others. He will bring substantial expertise to USCIRF during a period marked by increased antisemitism following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7.

“We are thrilled to welcome Meir Soloveichik’s appointment to the Commission,” stated USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck. “The experience he brings to USCIRF will be instrumental in continuing the promotion of freedom of religion or belief abroad.”

Rabbi Soloveichik also serves as rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel in Manhattan, the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. He attended Yeshiva University where he received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. He holds a PhD in religion from Princeton University and is a Senior Scholar at Tikvah in New York City. In 2018, he was awarded the Canterbury Medal for his work on behalf of religious liberty by the Becket Fund.

“Meir Soloveichik brings a wealth of knowledge on religious freedom issues that will benefit the Commission greatly,” USCIRF Vice Chair Eric Ueland added. “We look forward to working with him to further advance USCIRF’s mandate.”

USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and leadership of both political parties in the Senate and House of Representatives.