Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman carries himself with quiet confidence despite leading a university during turbulent times. As president of Yeshiva University for nearly nine years, he has navigated rising antisemitism, campus unrest, and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence with what he describes as an opportunity-focused mindset.
“We were made for this moment,” Berman states, reflecting on challenges ranging from COVID-19 to the aftermath of October 7th attacks.
While acknowledging he couldn’t have foreseen many recent crises, Berman maintains his approach remains consistent. “My approach to all of the changes and challenges of these past years is where can you find the opportunity?” he explains.
The university leader takes firm positions on controversial topics, particularly regarding anti-Israel sentiment on campuses. “Anti-Zionism is definitely antisemitism,” he declares, arguing that singling out Israel’s right to exist while accepting other religious states represents clear discrimination.
Following October 7th, Berman organized university leaders nationwide, creating what he calls “a coalition of universities united against terrorism.” More than 100 institutions joined the effort, which he views as crucial when some universities remained silent during the crisis.
The campus climate has significantly impacted student enrollment patterns. Berman reports “a sharp increase in transfer students” and notes that early decision applications have surged “over 70% over the past two years.” These represent top-tier students who previously would have chosen Ivy League institutions.
Faculty recruitment has also shifted dramatically. “It’s a story that’s not yet being told,” Berman observes, describing how professors are leaving prestigious institutions for Yeshiva University. Recent additions include the former mathematics department chair from Rutgers, a former electrical engineering chair from Cooper Union, and a computer science professor from MIT.
These faculty moves coincide with YU’s aggressive expansion into technology fields. The university recently launched an engineering program supported by major donations and is positioning itself at the forefront of AI research, particularly in healthcare applications.
For Berman, artificial intelligence represents both opportunity and moral challenge. Students must learn to utilize AI “positively and ethically with values,” he emphasizes. “AI itself is obviously morally neutral. The question is how it’s deployed, and what are the policies, and what are the innovations that we’re going to afford.”
He expresses particular concern about AI’s role in spreading misinformation. “This is going to be the key issue of the age,” he warns, describing the challenge as learning to distinguish truth from falsehood while ensuring ethical values shape AI development. “The good AI must learn to beat the bad AI.”
Berman’s commitment to ethical AI development led him to Hiroshima, where he signed the Rome Call of AI and Ethics alongside religious leaders from multiple faiths. A memorable exchange with a Buddhist monk about whether there’s “a Buddha in AI” highlighted the complexity of these discussions.
“You have to be in the leadership. You have to have a seat at the table in terms of how it’s unfolding right now,” Berman insists. YU now participates in a consortium with Brigham Young University and Notre Dame focused on faith perspectives in AI development.
Beyond technology, Berman emphasizes building positive narratives about Jewish communities. He argues that media focus on antisemitism overshadows what he terms “pro-semitism” – widespread support for Jewish traditions and Israel from diverse religious communities.
This philosophy has expanded YU’s international reach, including partnerships with Christian universities in South Korea where Jewish texts are taught in Korean. Berman sees AI as enabling broader educational access across language barriers.
The university president views tradition as providing stability rather than hindering progress. Using a rabbinic metaphor, he explains: “a tree without roots easily breaks in torrential winds. But a tree with roots can withstand times of great turmoil and instability.”
This balance between tradition and innovation extends to addressing parental concerns about digital-age child-rearing. Citing conversations with researcher Jonathan Haidt, Berman argues that faith communities create protective “bubbles” that filter harmful influences while embracing beneficial technological advances.
Looking ahead, Berman anticipates expanded international partnerships, particularly following the Abraham Accords, and continued growth in research capabilities. His vision extends beyond institutional success to broader societal impact.
“We’re looking to build a better world for all,” he concludes, positioning Yeshiva University not merely as an educational institution but as a model for combining ancient wisdom with future-focused innovation.
