On the evening of December 14th, seven-hundred-fifty people ventured to the Waldorf Astoria in New York City for Yeshiva University’s 90th Annual Hanukkah Convocation and Dinner. Keynote speaker, former President George W. Bush, received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from President Joel before addressing the packed room and the students who, after winning a raffle for the coveted spots, watched virtually from a separate viewing room in the hotel.
Upon introducing President Bush, President Joel lauded the President for his “steadfastness integrity, for your commitment to democracy, and your clarity of vision that only in a democratic society can people achieve and grow and thrive. Put simply, you taught Americans that democracy is a condition for civilization.”
President Joel added, “We applaud you for the loyalty of your friendship and commitment to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.”
When President Bush took the podium, he graciously congratulated the other degree recipients. President Bush then gave a personal shout-out to Senator Joseph Leiberman in the audience and the students watching virtually in the separate room.
He then began his address by saying that this week was a “good week.” Between the high-reception of his new book and the honorary degree, President Bush joked that this was “a week of exceeding expectations.” He then continued to urge the audience to pick up a copy of his new book that details the relationship between himself and his father, President George H. W. Bush.
Before delving into his highly anticipated thoughts on Yeshiva University, President Bush gave insight into the special bond between him and his father, as detailed in his new book. He spoke of the guidance his father gave him during his political career, and the metaphorical and actual gentle “loving tug” of emotional support his father gave him during trying times.
In his keynote address, President Bush said, “Yeshiva University is a prestigious university and I am proud to accept this degree.”
He continued to discuss the honorable academic accomplishments of the university, including the fact that ninety-percent of graduates are employed or in a graduate degree program.
Regarding what makes YU a one-of-a-kind institution, President Bush noted, “One of the mission statements is an unwavering commitment to Israel. Ninety-percent of students go to Israel. Students leave Yeshiva with, not only a fantastic education, but as better citizens of the world.”
He continued, “Going to Israel makes these students better citizens of the United States because they have a better understanding that hardships are real. They have an understanding that the evils of the world are real, and that it must be resisted.”
President Joel also awarded honorary degrees to Michael Gamson, of Houston, Texas; Judith Weiss, of Cleveland, Ohio; and Anita G. Zucker, of Charleston, South Carolina.
During the dinner portion, President Joel paid tribute to eight Points of Light—students, faculty and alumni who exemplify the mission of Yeshiva University—inviting each one to light a symbolic candle on a large menorah.
Of Stern College and Yeshiva College community, the Points of Light included Kayla Applebaum (SCW ’15) ; Willie Roth (YC ’10 and BR ’14); Shoshana Schechter, assistant professor of bible at Stern College, and Amanda Esraelian (SCW ‘15), in honor of the Mechina Pathways Program; Ike Sultan (YC ’14, R’17, A’17), creator of Halachipedia; and Sam Weinstein (SYMS ’15), Amalia Weinberg (SCW ’15) and Devora Schloss (SCW ’15), in recognition of the Counterpoint Israel program.
The convocation and dinner, the University’s main annual fundraising event, raised more than $4.2 million.