Yeshiva University President Calls NYC Mayor an 'Arsonist Pretending to Be a Firefighter'
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, criticized New York City Mayor Eric Adams for his anti-Israel statements, calling him an "arsonist pretending to be a firefighter." Berman expressed concern over the mainstreaming of anti-Zionist rhetoric and its potential to incite hostility. He noted increased security costs due to rising antisemitism but affirmed the Jewish community's pride in its identity and support for Israel. Berman believes anti-Zionism is antisemitism and fears the mayor's words could lead to practical harm against Jews and Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yeshiva University President Ari Berman called NYC Mayor Eric Adams an "arsonist pretending to be a firefighter" for his anti-Israel statements.
- Berman criticized Adams' accusations of Israeli genocide and apartheid as dangerous lies fueling hostility.
- He expressed concern that fringe anti-Zionist language is becoming mainstream in public discourse.
- Security at Jewish institutions has increased significantly due to rising antisemitism, Berman stated.
- Berman asserted that anti-Zionism is a form of antisemitism and a denial of Jewish self-determination.
- He fears the mayor's rhetoric could lead to practical actions harming Jews and Israel.
Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, has voiced significant concerns regarding the rhetoric of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, particularly his statements following the October 7th Hamas attacks. Berman criticized Adams' assertion that "suffering did not begin on that day" and his accusations of Israel committing "devastating genocide" and "apartheid." Berman characterized Adams as "anti-Zionist" who denies Jewish people the right to a Jewish state and "attacks Israel, accusing it of the most serious crimes against humanity." He expressed worry that such language, once on the fringes, is becoming mainstream.
Berman likened Adams' plan to combat antisemitism to an "arsonist pretending to be a firefighter," suggesting the mayor feigns concern while fueling the problem. He argued that accusing the Jewish state of genocide is a dangerous lie that endangers Jews, most of whom support Israel. Berman stated that Adams' words contribute to hostility in New York and that the Jewish community is on the front lines of a global battle for truth and support for Israel.
While daily life for many hasn't drastically changed, Berman noted increased caution in certain areas and heightened vigilance. Security at synagogues and schools has significantly increased, incurring substantial costs, which he attributes to rising antisemitism. Despite these challenges, he asserted the community is not paralyzed by fear and that students proudly display their Jewish and Zionist identities, with the Israeli flag flying year-round and "Hatikvah" sung at events.
Berman emphasized that Zionism is integral to their identity and education, with thousands of Jewish students pursuing dual Torah and secular studies. He encouraged all students, Jewish and non-Jewish, to embrace the university's pro-Israel stance, noting that many non-Jewish students encounter Jewish and Zionist individuals for the first time at Yeshiva University. He firmly believes anti-Zionism is a form of antisemitism, arguing that denying Jews the right to a state while accepting Muslim and Christian nations is hypocritical and antisemitic.
Looking ahead, Berman expressed concern that Adams' rhetoric could translate into practical actions detrimental to Jews globally and to Israel. He stressed the importance of considering how actions in Israel and by the Jewish diaspora influence global perceptions, underscoring the vital connection between the diaspora and Israel as part of their mission.