By Talia Isaacs, Business Editor
Last month, Yeshiva University President Ari Berman delivered a benediction at the presidential inauguration. His address was short and sweet, and gave praise to both God and the United States. But I wonder if it was really his choice to speak? Did he give this benediction enthusiastically, or reluctantly? Did he see it as an honor, an obligation, an opportunity? What would have happened if he’d said no?
Speaking at the presidential inauguration could be seen as a support of democracy and the American tradition of a peaceful transition of power. Theoretically, this is a beautiful thing, and a great honor for whoever is invited to speak. However, delivering a speech at any event typically indicates some sort of support or approval of what is happening at that event. In this case, President Berman’s speech indicated some level of support for the president who is being inaugurated. On some level, by President Berman speaking at Trump’s inauguration, he was showing support for Trump as president of the United States, and I don’t know how I feel about that.
What does it mean to have the president of our university support the Trump administration? What does it say about our values as a Jewish community? To some, the Trump administration is a hallmark of traditional values and Zionism. To others, myself included, the Trump administration is a sign of a crumbling democracy, as a convicted felon with dozens of accusations of sexual misconduct, including rape, has been elected president.
Personally, as a woman and as a Jew, I do not feel comfortable with the president of my university representing or condoning these “values.” As a woman, I would want to know that the president of my university would stand up for and support survivors of sexual misconduct and assault. Not their assailants. As a Jew, I would hope that the president of my university would not associate with people who engage in unethical business practices and constantly break the law. I feel these values are important to uphold, and that supporting the Trump administration undermines us doing so.
In some communities, Trump has been portrayed as a beacon of hope for the Jews of America and even Israel. Their lawns boast signs that read “Trump tov la’Yehudim,” or “Yidden for Trump.” Because Trump is viewed in this way by so many Jews, they might feel that President Berman’s affiliation with his administration is a triumph, and that by associating with Trump and speaking at the inauguration, President Berman is combating antisemitism and trying to bolster the Jewish people. However, it is highly contested whether or not Trump truly has the Jews’ best interests in mind. In all honesty, it is highly contested whether or not he has anyone’s best interests at heart, aside from his own. Regardless of whether or not Trump is “good” for the Jews, his past actions in office and character should be enough to deter us from supporting him.
In a way, what President Berman actually said in his inaugural benediction is somewhat irrelevant. His speech had a heavy focus on religion, God and the hostages in Gaza – exactly what you’d expect. It was relatively mild and not very polarizing. But I am much less concerned with the contents of his speech than I am with what it says about his support for the Trump administration.
Ironically, in his benediction, President Berman made a point to mention the importance of “faith and morality.” While I cannot speak to the faith of Trump, I certainly have much to say about his morality, or lack thereof.
On some level, I understand that refusing to speak at the presidential inauguration might have led to political and reputational consequences for President Berman. However, there may have been polite ways to decline the invitation to speak without completely burning bridges with this new administration. President Berman’s refusal to speak, if it was made public, may have angered parents or donors.
But I personally feel that principles are more important. In order to uphold both our Torah values and our ethics as a university, we cannot represent people who are entirely unprincipled themselves.
Photo Caption: President Berman speaking at Trump’s innaguration
Photo Credit: Yeshiva University