House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik delivered a commencement address at Yeshiva University, where she was also awarded the Presidential Medallion for Global Leadership. In her speech, Stefanik expressed gratitude to Rabbi Berman and the Board of Yeshiva for the honor, emphasizing her admiration for the institution.
Stefanik addressed the graduates during a significant time, both as a period of celebration and reflection due to the Omer. She highlighted the importance of unity within the Jewish community and commended young Jewish Americans for their advocacy efforts. She stated, “You have been bold. You have been tenacious. You have the moral clarity to fight the just and righteous fight.”
The congresswoman recounted her involvement in addressing antisemitic incidents on American college campuses following attacks by Hamas terrorists. She noted that during a congressional hearing, university leaders failed to adequately condemn calls for genocide against Jews. Stefanik emphasized, “It does NOT depend on the context,” criticizing what she described as moral depravity in elite universities.
Stefanik also spoke about Omer Shem-tov’s release from Gaza and his subsequent advocacy work as an example of resilience and leadership for graduates. She encouraged them to embrace their roles as future leaders with moral clarity and commitment to American values.
Concluding her address, Stefanik urged graduates to carry forward their education and values into society, advocating for light, moral clarity, liberty, and dignity in line with constitutional principles.
###
