Sen. John Fetterman Receives Award from YU for Pro-Israel Efforts

Addressing graduates at Yeshiva University's commencement on Wednesday, Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) reflected on his own graduation from Harvard University 25 years ago. His reference to Harvard, a school criticized for its silence on Jew-hatred, elicited some boos from the audience.

“Today, I have been profoundly disappointed with Harvard’s inability to stand up for the Jewish community,” Fetterman said before removing the hood from his Harvard robe. “For me personally, I do not fundamentally believe that it is right for me to wear this today,” he declared, drawing applause and a standing ovation.

Senator Fetterman, known for his pro-Israel stance and confrontations with anti-Israel activists in and around the U.S. Capitol, received Yeshiva University's top award, the presidential medallion, at the commencement ceremony. Videos of the event show Fetterman dancing with YU President Rabbi Ari Berman and Rabbi Hershel Schachter, a senior leader of Yeshiva University's Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, to the song “Geshmak to Be a Yid” ("It’s delightful to be Jewish"). Rabbi Schachter, 82, was also seen blessing Fetterman and expressing gratitude for his support.

“During these challenging times, the leadership, service, and moral clarity of this American patriot and hero of Israel have been a beacon of hope and strength for the country and the world,” stated Yeshiva University about Fetterman. YU highlighted his steadfast commitment to fighting antisemitism and pursuing justice for the victims and hostages following the events of October 7.

President Berman praised Fetterman as “one of the true heroes of our time for his unwavering and courageous commitment to moral clarity, which has fortified our community and been a clarion call for our country.” In a prior announcement, Berman expressed pride in awarding YU’s highest honor for global leadership to Fetterman, calling him a “true U.S. patriot and hero of Israel.”

Fetterman expressed his gratitude in a Yeshiva University news release, stating, “It is truly humbling to be invited to share in this milestone with the graduates of Yeshiva University. As we gather to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class, we must also acknowledge the profound significance of their journey within the context of the recent surge in antisemitism across the country. I thank Yeshiva University for the opportunity to join these students on this momentous day.”

More than 5,000 people attended the commencement ceremony at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, marking a significant day for both the graduates and the wider Jewish community.

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