Straus Center Director Joins Governmental Body Tasked with Protecting Religious Freedom’s Globally

On July 10, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, Assistant Professor of Judaic Studies and Director of the Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University), was appointed to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

“It is a profound honor to be asked to serve on USCIRF,” Rabbi Meir Soloveichik said. “Religious liberty lies at the heart of the American idea, and the Commission's task in promoting the cause of international religious freedom reflects Lincoln's belief that America is meant to embody ‘a great promise to all the people of the world.’" 

USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze and report on threats to religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion or belief. 

YU’s Rabbi Soloveichik is the director of the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University. The Center, dedicated to the study of the Jewish and Western canons, has produced courses and books focusing on the shared values and mutually beneficial relationship between Judaism and America. In his role as director, Rabbi Soloveichik has promoted religious freedom and the strong connection between Judaism and the values of liberty and meritocracy enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

He has lectured internationally to diverse audiences on topics relating to faith in America, the Hebraic roots of the American founding, Jewish theology, Jewish-Christian relations, and more. He will bring a wealth of knowledge to USCIRF at a time of increased antisemitism stemming from Hamas’ brutal unprovoked attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

“We are thrilled to welcome Meir Soloveichik’s appointment to the Commission,” stated USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck. “The experience he brings to USCIRF will be instrumental in continuing the promotion of freedom of religion or belief abroad.”

Rabbi Soloveichik also serves as the rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel in Manhattan, the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. Soloveichik attended Yeshiva University where he received his rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. He received his PhD in religion from Princeton University and is a Senior Scholar at Tikvah, a think tank and educational institution in New York City. In 2018, Soloveichik was awarded the Canterbury Medal for his work on behalf of religious liberty by the Becket Fund.

“Meir Soloveichik brings a wealth of knowledge on religious freedom issues that will benefit the Commission greatly,” USCIRF Vice Chair Eric Ueland added. “We look forward to working with him to further advance USCIRF’s mandate.”

USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and leadership of both political parties in the Senate and House of Representatives.