NYC Gazette

Yeshiva University has established the Lieberman-Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy, inspired by the legacy of Senator Joseph Lieberman. The center was made possible through a $10 million donation from the Ira Mitzner and Riva Collins Families. Senator Lieberman had been actively involved in planning the center before his passing on March 27, 2024.

The launch event took place on September 25, 2024, at the Yeshiva University Museum. It featured a screening of "Centered: Joe Lieberman," a documentary about the life and impact of the former U.S. Senator and vice-presidential candidate.

"In attendance at the Sept. 25 launch of the Lieberman-Mitzner Center were, from left, Sharon Poczter (Director of the Center); Daniella Landau, student scholar; Talya Naggar, student scholar; Oriya Baskin, student scholar; Matthew Lieberman (Sen. Lieberman's son); Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman; Hadassah Lieberman (Sen. Lieberman's wife); Ira Mitzner (Chairman of the YU Board); Steven Mitzner (Mitzner's son); Jeffrey Collins (Mitzner’s step-son); Sam Fogelson, student scholar; and Binyomin Eidlisz, student scholar."

The center aims to inspire Yeshiva University students to lead politically active lives and develop into political leaders, government officials, and advocates for various communities including Israel and beyond. It focuses on fostering collaboration, critical discourse, and ethical leadership among students.

“Inspired by the legacy of Senator Lieberman as a model of faith and civility across the political aisle,” said Ira Mitzner, chairman of the YU Board of Trustees and founder of the center. “Deeply rooted in Jewish values and tradition,” he continued, “it will prepare the next generation of public servants and advocates.”

Senator Lieberman's relationship with Yeshiva University was long-standing due to shared values and goals aimed at improving society. He served on its Board of Trustees and co-chaired Rise Up: The Campaign for 613.

The newly launched Lieberman-Mitzner Scholars Program offers real-world exposure to politicians alongside rigorous academic coursework. Selected scholars receive honors scholarships along with mentorships, internships, networking opportunities with high-level public officials, and special programming focused on Israel advocacy.

“With his faith and unwavering dedication to public service,” said Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University,“Senator Lieberman epitomized core Torah values” that align with those upheld by Yeshiva University.

Dr. Sharon Poczter will serve as founding director for this new initiative while continuing her role as Chair of Strategy & Entrepreneurship at Sy Syms School Of Business within YU.

Other attendees included Jonathan Gruber—director behind "Centered: Joe Liebenan"—alongside first cohort members under Scholar program auspices plus other university leaders & alumni gathered celebrating both creation itself but also honoring senator’s vision bringing it forth into reality.