Event honors graduates, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in a powerful day of unity, pride and purpose.
(Courtesy of YU) In a stirring celebration of academic achievement, moral leadership and shared values, Yeshiva University held its 94th Annual Commencement on May 22 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens. More than 5,000 students, families, alumni and friends gathered as over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate degrees were conferred—marking a milestone for the class of 2025 and the university itself.
A Celebration of Achievement and Conviction
The ceremony honored not only the accomplishments of YU’s newest graduates but also those whose leadership exemplifies the university’s mission. Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik were recognized for their courage, advocacy and unwavering commitment to the Jewish people.
Goldberg-Polin, a global voice for the families of hostages taken by Hamas and mother of Hersh, HY”D—who was murdered in captivity—received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Stefanik, a prominent supporter of Israel and Jewish students nationwide, was awarded the YU Presidential Medallion for Global Leadership.
A Clear Moral Voice
YU President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman opened the ceremony with powerful reflections on Yeshiva University’s distinctive identity and unwavering values. “It’s not just that there are no encampments here. No chants of hate. And no antisemitism. It’s that our values are vibrant. Our mission is clear. Our soul is intact,” Berman told the crowd. “Elsewhere, many institutions have lost their way. They once invited students to join the unfolding story of civilization. Now, too often, they reduce education to credentialing. Bonds are broken. Morality is muted. Hate seeps in. But here, we build, we believe, we bless.”
Honoring Courage and Conviction
Introducing Stefanik, Berman praised her moral clarity and strength in the face of antisemitism and political pressure. “You are a voice of conviction in a time of confusion. A profile in courage when too many choose silence,” he said. “You understand that neutrality in the face of evil is complicity.”
In her keynote address, Stefanik recounted her widely viewed questioning of university presidents during a December 2023 congressional hearing. At issue was whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated institutional codes of conduct. “One after the other answered, quote, ‘It depends on the context.’ And the world heard,” Stefanik said. “Let me tell you, it does not depend on the context! Those are morally bankrupt answers.” The audience responded with multiple standing ovations as Stefanik reiterated her commitment to fighting antisemitism and defending Jewish students on campuses nationwide.
A Mother’s Message of Hope and Action
Following Stefanik’s remarks, Goldberg-Polin took the stage to deliver a moving and heartfelt message to the graduates, thanking the YU community for its support of hostage families and calling on students to lead with action and empathy.
“Thank you for being with us and with all the hostage families from day one,” she said. “Yeshiva University graduates and students, you administered spiritual CPR… you showed up and you keep showing up.” She urged the class of 2025 to seek unity, build bridges, and never lose sight of their capacity to do good in the world.
“We are not what we say, we are not what we think, and we are not even what we believe. In this life, we are what we do! So go do, you shining lights of wonder. Go be our North Stars. Go be our hope!”
A New Legacy: The Ohr Shel Hersh Award
In an emotional tribute, Berman announced the creation of the Ohr Shel Hersh Award, a new annual honor to commemorate Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s life and legacy. The award will be given each year to two graduating students who embody Hersh’s spirit—those who “bring people together, see the good in others, and shine light through acts of kindness, courage and enduring faith in humanity.”
Joyful Moments and Solemn Reflections
As the formal ceremony concluded, musical performances by singer Moshe Tischler led to a spontaneous burst of dancing among students, faculty and administrators—including Stefanik herself. The moment captured the uniquely spirited and joyous atmosphere that defines the YU experience.
The celebration also included a poignant moment of silence led by Provost Selma Botman in memory of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, the Israeli embassy employees killed the night before in Washington, D.C.
Graduates Step Into Their Future
The event closed with the official conferral of degrees and a celebratory procession of graduates across the stage. A video montage featuring reflections from the nine undergraduate valedictorians captured the gratitude, inspiration and transformative experiences shared by the Class of 2025.
As graduates poured out of the stadium to reunite with their loved ones, one thing was clear: The Class of 2025 leaves Yeshiva University not only with academic credentials, but with a purpose—to lead lives of meaning, moral clarity and enduring impact.
