The Rabbinical Alliance of America—Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis—applauds New York City Mayor Eric Adams for his support of the Yeshiva education system. In a speech to the Teach NYS Annual Dinner on May 11, 2023, Mayor Adams offered enthusiastic support for the yeshiva system that is under attack from some political corners. Mayor Adams acknowledged the important contributions of yeshiva education to New York City. He said that now, more than ever, New York City needs people imbued with faith and values, which the Yeshiva system successfully instills in its graduates. In fact, added Mayor Adams, New York public schools should learn from yeshivas how to educate the whole student.
Mayor Adams’ speech was a welcome contribution to the often vitriolic political landscape facing yeshivas and their students, parents, and supporters. Yeshivas have been under attack for a number of years by some New York State bureaucrats and politicians who want to severely limit the rights of parents to educate their children in the path of Jewish tradition. Rather than attempting to stifle yeshivas, politicians should support them in their important mission to educate faithful citizens of this great country.
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America remarked, “Mayor Eric Adams’ unequivocal support for the yeshiva system and his recognition of its moral values have further solidified his reputation as a leader who speaks openly and fearlessly. By standing up against antisemitism and advocating for transparency, Mayor Adams has demonstrated his dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive educational landscape in New York City.”
Mirocznik added, “perhaps the single most important issue currently facing the Jewish community of New York City is the freedom to educate our children in a proper yeshiva environment that trains them to be good Americans and at the same time teaches them to remain true to our faith and traditions. The Yeshiva educational system has produced generations of productive, loyal, resourceful, and respectful New Yorkers who have contributed greatly to the growth of the city’s economic, civic, and cultural greatness. The vast and diverse Yeshiva system in New York City is currently thriving as it offers parents a spectrum of schools to fit each child’s unique needs. Never before in history has a Jewish parent had so many school choices as in New York City today. We at the Rabbinical Alliance of America appreciate that, thanks to the support of Mayor Adams, the Jewish community will be able to continue exercising this constitutional right of religious freedom and educate our children according to our religious traditions.
Mirocznik concluded that, “The Rabbinical Alliance of America therefore applauds and thanks Mayor Eric Adams for his commitment to protect the integrity and independence of the Yeshiva educational system so that its proud graduates can continue to contribute to the diverse cultural fabric and thriving life of New York City.”