The entire Yeshiva University community is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Senator Joseph Lieberman — a renowned figure of faith in the public square, a history-making statesman, and a beloved member of the YU family.

“Today, I lost a dear friend and mentor, and we all lost an American hero who devoted his life to the service of this country,” said Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University. “Senator Joseph Lieberman was a man of courage, faith, and fortitude, an independent thinker whose humility and commitment served as an example to all of our students and faculty at Yeshiva University.”

In a career that spanned four decades, including as the first Jewish American nominated to a national ticket as the Democratic Party’s nominee for vice president in 2000, Senator Lieberman maintained a long and deep relationship with YU — a relationship based on shared values, goals, and a devotion to making the world better. Beyond his valued role as a professor at Yeshiva University, Senator Lieberman was a member of YU’s Board of Trustees since 2021. In that capacity he strengthened and guided YU’s vision, a vision that paralleled his own.

Inspired by Senator Lieberman’s stellar character, bold leadership, and commitment to public service, Yeshiva University announced earlier this year the new Senator Joseph Lieberman-Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy through a principal gift from the Ira Mitzner and Riva Collins families. With Senator Lieberman as its model, the Center will empower the next generation of government leaders and public advocates, with a national and international focus, who are deeply rooted in Jewish values and tradition. 

“I am devastated by the loss of our friend and mentor, a model of faith and civility across the political aisle, whose contribution to the world, and to YU, is irreplaceable,” said Ira Mitzner, Chairman of the YU Board of Trustees.

“I will miss Senator Lieberman’s wisdom and counsel as a University Trustee,” added Rabbi Berman. “He was our champion. He was a voice of moral reason and a true friend of Israel. Senator Lieberman embodied Yeshiva University's mission: to produce excellent leaders and excellent citizens, empowered by faith and obligated by the bonds of duty. His memory will always be a blessing. His legacy to perfect the world as God's partner will be recorded in the annals of American and Jewish history.”

We express our deepest condolences to his beloved wife Hadassah, his children, and his grandchildren.