The lineup for President-elect Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration features a glaring juxtaposition of values and alliances, as Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, and Imam Husham Al-Husainy, a controversial figure with ties to pro-Hezbollah activities, are slated to deliver back-to-back benedictions following Trump’s inaugural address.
Berman represents the values of Yeshiva University, America’s flagship Jewish college. Since becoming the university’s fifth president in 2016, he has overseen significant growth in its educational and community impact. Sharing his thoughts on participating in the ceremony, Berman wrote on X: “It is a profound privilege to offer a prayer of unity and hope on behalf of Yeshiva University and for all Americans at this historic moment.”
In stark contrast, Imam Al-Husainy’s presence raises questions about the event’s messaging. The leader of the Karbalaa Islamic Center in Dearborn, Michigan, Al-Husainy has refused to label Hezbollah a terrorist organization and attended a 2006 rally supporting the Iranian-backed group during its conflict with Israel. At the rally, Al-Husainy held up a photo of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike last September.
Al-Husainy has also drawn criticism for his invocation at the Democratic National Committee’s 2007 winter meeting, where he prayed for an end to “oppression and occupation” in Iraq—a statement widely interpreted as a condemnation of U.S. forces. When pressed on Fox News about his stance on Hezbollah, Al-Husainy denied any affiliation but refused to denounce the group, instead describing it as “a Lebanese organization” with biblical connotations.
The inclusion of both figures—one representing a staunchly pro-Israel institution and the other with a history of support for terrorists opposed to Israel—underscores a profound contradiction.
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3 Responses
Where are the giants like Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Nissim who boycotted the Pope? Oy LaDor whose leaders lack the clarity and gumption of the prior generations.
Why is this contradictory? In the MAGAverse there is only one overriding value obedience to Trump. You can be Hizbullah, Fuentes, Kanye or Jewish as long as your pledge loyalty to the death leader. Just last week Trump posted the rants of antisemite Jeffrey Sachs to his truth social page
WAKE UP ALL YIDDEN!
WAKE UP AMERICA!
WAKE UP WORLD!
There is conflict within each group above, and conflict between the groups
We are living in an age of contention and contradiction.
We hope and pray for Moshiach!’
If we are not keeping ourselves GLATT KOSHER, C;has V’Sholom Hashem may be forced to the cleansing …..
Thus, I shudder thinking about what may come before he arrives.