Amb. Huckabee honored at Yeshiva University, delivers commencement speech to grads

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee delivered the commencement address at Yeshiva University in New York City on Thursday, where he was awarded the institution's highest honor, the Presidential Medallion. University President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman presented the award, praising Huckabee for his dedication to the Jewish people and Israel.

Dr. Berman specifically highlighted Huckabee's work to help free Israeli hostages after the October 7 attacks. "Ambassador Huckabee, your work helped bring them home, and we are eternally grateful," Berman stated, presenting the medallion as a symbol of profound admiration and gratitude. He invoked a blessing for Huckabee's continued role as a "moral voice and conscience of our generation."

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Ambassador Huckabee, your work helped bring them home, and we are eternally grateful.

In his keynote address to the graduating class, Huckabee urged students to view their diplomas as a call to service. He described Yeshiva University as a remarkable example of higher education, producing graduates with rigorous education anchored in moral clarity and commitment to eternal values. Huckabee encouraged the graduates to bring wisdom, integrity, and devotion into their future endeavors.

Concluding his speech, Huckabee emphasized the importance of Jewish identity, telling the graduates, "Never be afraid to be who you are." He urged them to live with a strong sense of duty to God, His law, and all those who paved the way for their present. The ceremony also featured a musical performance by Joey Newcomb, with Huckabee surprisingly joining the band on bass guitar, leading students, faculty, and guests in a dance.

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Never be afraid to be who you are.