Yeshiva University President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman will deliver the benediction at the 60th presidential inauguration on January 20, Yeshiva University announced Tuesday, marking the first time an American-Israeli rabbi will participate in such a ceremony.
"On behalf of Yeshiva University I am deeply honored to have been asked to deliver the benediction at this momentous time," Rabbi Berman said. "As I prepare my remarks, I am inspired by the words of the prophet Jeremiah, who thousands of years ago walked through the roads of Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Israel, and proclaimed 'Blessed is the one who trusts in God.'"
Rabbi Berman plans to call for national unity around America's core values and will include a prayer for the safe return of hostages still held in Gaza, according to Yeshiva University. As the only university president participating in the ceremony, he will address the role of faith-based institutions in American higher education.
"Having Rabbi Berman deliver the benediction is a testament to his leadership and to the prominence of Yeshiva University," Ira Mitzner, Chairman of Yeshiva University's Board of Trustees said. "As the nation's flagship Jewish university, with an unwavering commitment to Torah values and academic excellence, Yeshiva University is a leading institution of higher education that is readying the next generation to contribute to society and live their most fulfilling lives."
Rabbi Berman's national influence extends beyond campus boundaries. He recently founded a coalition of over 100 university presidents united against terrorism following the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in Israel and led the first-ever delegation of university presidents on the March of the Living to Auschwitz.
