By Betzalel Cohen, Staff Writer
Have you ever walked down the crowded New York City streets on your way to class wishing you were somewhere greener, with a little more space? If so, you are not alone. Many people at Yeshiva University have often wondered about the possibility of the university acquiring a newer and larger campus. Oftentimes, being located directly in New York City makes it hard for students to feel as though they are truly at college while lacking a spacious campus. Such a desire is understandable, especially considering that Yeshiva University’s campus does not compare to the full fledged campus experience of many other colleges. However, at the end of the day, it was not clear to me how many people at YU would actually want such a thing.
Therefore, I decided to ask students what they thought about the possibility of Yeshiva University relocating to a newer and larger campus in New Jersey. While no concrete plans have been put forth by the university, the idea of moving to a new location has sparked curiosity and debate among the YU community.
While inquiring about the various perspectives of students on this topic, those who advocate for exploring a campus move often pointed to the potential advantages that a new location could offer. A larger campus would provide opportunities for expanded academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and enhanced resources, such as up-to-date STEM labs, for both students and faculty. Many of the people I asked also felt uncomfortable in New York City, with one student, who wishes to remain anonymous, stating, “With the recent events relating to Israel, it has become clear to me that it’s not that safe here.” Students have had many uncomfortable encounters in the Washington Heights area, especially with the rise in antisemitism since October 7, and recently there was even an attempted arson attack on one of the Israeli Flags that line Amsterdam Avenue a block away from YU’s Wilf campus.
However, when considering this question, it is crucial to acknowledge the deep roots that Yeshiva University has established in its current New York City location. Over the years, the university has cultivated a vibrant and supportive community with its neighbors, both on and off-campus. Moving to a new location could disrupt these connections and potentially diminish the sense of belonging that many students, faculty, and alumni cherish about its current location. Moreover, the transportation options available in New York City greatly facilitate students’ access to classes, extracurricular activities, and academic resources, leading many to dismiss the idea of relocating to New Jersey as preposterous. Mordechai Levoritz (YC ‘27) said regarding the move that it would “for sure not work in the short term” and that “getting out long term seems great but I’m not sure if New Jersey of all places is the place to go”
One of the critical aspects that must be carefully considered in the discussion of a potential campus relocation is how such a move would impact the university’s approach to mixed-gender campuses. Yeshiva University has long been known for its commitment to providing a comprehensive education in a religiously observant environment. Moving to a new location raises questions about how the university would maintain its values and practices, particularly concerning gender segregation and interactions between male and female students. Any decision regarding campus relocation must carefully consider these factors and would have to ensure that the university’s core values and religious principles remain intact.
A recent informal survey conducted among students on the Wilf and Beren campuses reflected the divided sentiments within the YU community regarding this topic. Out of the 50 current Wilf students surveyed, 28 were in favor of the campus change, while 22 were against it. However, when questioned about the viability of the move, 42 Wilf students thought it seemed unlikely that YU would actually move their campus, while only 8 believed it was possible. Of the 50 Beren students surveyed, 31 were in favor of the campus change, while 19 were against it. When they were questioned about the viability of the move, 11 Beren students thought that YU could actually move their campus, while 39 thought that it was not possible.
Eliana Diamond (SCW ‘25) believes that there are many benefits that having a full YU campus could enhance, including the community aspects of YU. “Moving to a campus could give more people a reason to stay and make this college their home. I hope it would increase the number of people who stay for Shabbat on campus,” said Diamond. “Having residential housing for married couples could also increase Stern’s centrality and could increase its community feeling.
While there are no substantiated rumors about Yeshiva University actively pursuing a move to New Jersey, it is worth acknowledging the potential opportunities and challenges that such a transition could entail. The commercial real estate market presents significant obstacles for buying and selling properties, adding another layer of complexity to the equation. It is also unclear if Yeshiva University is in a financial position to make such a decision, especially considering its history of detrimental investments in the past, such as investing in Bernie Madoff’s infamous ponzi scheme, which left the university in a difficult financial situation. However, Diamond believes that “It seems financially beneficial for [YU] to move to a campus over its current very expensive and cramped real estate in the city.”
There have been unsubstantiated rumors suggesting that Yeshiva University had the opportunity to purchase the Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) campus in Teaneck, New Jersey, in the past. While no evidence could be found to support these rumors, when asked, a Yeshiva University spokesperson made it clear that “the University has no such plans.”
In light of these considerations, it is essential for Yeshiva University students, teachers, and alumni to engage in open dialogue with all concerned parties and carefully evaluate the potential impact of any decision regarding campus relocation. While the prospect of a new campus may hold promise, it is vital to prioritize the preservation of the university’s core values, sense of community, and commitment to academic excellence.
Ultimately, the future direction of Yeshiva University should be guided by a thoughtful and inclusive decision-making process that takes into account the diverse perspectives and interests of all members of the community. Whether the university remains rooted in its current location or embarks on a new chapter elsewhere, the overarching goal should be to ensure the continued growth and success of Yeshiva University for generations to come.