On Sunday, November 2, MTA hosted multiple yeshiva high schools for the Great Debate, a series of debate matches organized by MTA debate coach Harriet Levitt. The debate topic this year was birthright citizenship— whether children of undocumented immigrant parents but born in US territory should be considered US citizens.

The day started with an extemporaneous speaking contest, where finalists were selected to present at the end of the debate in front of all participants. Afterwards, the debates began and each team of two presented points and counterpoints on the topic of whether or not the children of illegal immigrants should be granted citizenship. After all of the matches were complete, the final resolution stated that children of illegal immigrants should be granted citizenship. MTA won many of their debates and also won awards, including Second Place Team and Third Place Team, as well as individual awards. Noam Mayerfeld (‘19) won First Place Debater, Ben Mermel (‘19) took first place in extemporaneous speaking, and Moshe Jacobson (‘21) won the Middot Award.

By Elishama Marmon (‘20)