Yeshiva University recently held its 94th Annual Commencement at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, drawing over 5,000 attendees. The event celebrated the achievements of more than 3,000 graduates from the Class of 2025.
President Ari Berman addressed the audience, emphasizing Yeshiva University’s commitment to moral leadership and shared values. “It’s not just that there are no encampments here. No chants of hate. And no antisemitism,” he stated. “Our values are vibrant. Our mission is clear.”
The ceremony recognized Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for their leadership and advocacy. Goldberg-Polin received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her work supporting families of hostages taken by Hamas, including her son Hersh, who was killed in captivity. Congresswoman Stefanik was awarded the YU Presidential Medallion for Global Leadership due to her support for Israel and Jewish students.
In his introduction of Rep. Stefanik, President Berman praised her as a “voice of conviction in a time of confusion.” In her keynote address, Stefanik criticized university presidents’ responses during a congressional hearing about whether calls for genocide violated conduct codes: “One after the other answered, quote, ‘It depends on the context.’” She affirmed that such answers were morally bankrupt.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin delivered a heartfelt message urging graduates to lead with action and empathy: “We are not what we say…we are what we do! So go DO.” She expressed gratitude to the YU community for its support.
President Berman announced the creation of the Ohr Shel Hersh Award in memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s legacy. The award will honor graduating students who embody kindness and courage.
The ceremony included musical performances by Moshe Tischler and concluded with a moment of silence led by Provost Selma Botman in memory of two Israeli embassy employees recently killed in Washington D.C.
Graduates left with both academic credentials and a sense of purpose—to lead lives marked by meaning and moral clarity.
