How to Help: Your Role in the Fight for Justice for YU Survivors

Why Your Involvement Matters

For decades, survivors alleging abuse at Yeshiva University and its affiliated institutions have called for acknowledgment, justice, and healing. These brave individuals have faced not only the trauma of their experiences but also a persistent pattern of silence and denial from those in positions of power.

The time for change is now. Survivors cannot—and should not—fight this battle alone. Collective action from communities and individuals can send a powerful message: we will not stand for institutions that deny justice, especially those that receive public funding and purport to uphold the highest ethical and moral standards.

Ways You Can Make a Difference

1. Contact Leadership and Decision-Makers

Write letters, make phone calls, or use social media platforms to reach out to key figures who can influence change. These include:

• Yeshiva University Leadership and Board of Trustees: Demand transparency, accountability, and immediate action to address decades of injustice.

• RIETS Leadership and Rabbinic Alumni: Urge rabbis serving in congregations and teaching positions to use their voices and moral authority to advocate for survivors.

• City and State Lawmakers: Highlight the role of public funds in supporting YU and the university’s obligation to meet ethical and legal standards.

• Watchdog Agencies: Call for investigations into how public funding has been used and whether accountability measures have been implemented.

2. Engage with Community Platforms

Use your networks to spread awareness responsibly. Share information through:

• Synagogue bulletins

• Community listservs

• Social media posts and groups
  By amplifying survivor stories and calling for action, you can help ensure this issue remains a priority.

3. Write to Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman

Direct appeals to YU’s president are crucial. In your letters, ask:

• What if this were your child or grandchild?

• Can you begin to fathom the pain and devastation survivors have endured?
  Demand a formal acknowledgment of the abuse, release of the Sullivan & Cromwell report, and concrete steps toward justice.

  The Power of Collective Advocacy

  Imagine the impact if every member of the Yeshiva University community, interfaith leaders, and sexual abuse advocates raised their voices together. Together, we can:

  • Demand institutional accountability for crimes allegedly committed as far back as the 1960s.

  • Show survivors that they are not alone.

  • Ensure that no future students endure similar suffering.

  Take Action Today

  Your efforts, no matter how small, contribute to a larger movement for justice. Here’s how you can start:

  • Sign and share petitions calling for transparency and justice at Yeshiva University.

  • Donate to organizations supporting survivors of abuse.

  • Share survivor stories on social media to amplify their voices.

  • Attend events and protests advocating for accountability.

  Together, we can shine a light on the truth, demand change, and ensure that survivors receive the justice and healing they deserve. Your voice matters—use it today.