“Is it time to actually resolve the issue rather than continue talking?”
At a mayoral candidate forum at B’nai Jeshurun on June 8, 2025, moderator and NY1 reporter Errol Louis asked the candidates what they would do to address the systemic crisis of educational neglect in Hasidic and Haredi yeshivas and if they would be willing to support the removal of public funding for noncompliant yeshivas. His follow-up questions to candidates’ evasive answers demonstrated his nuanced understanding of the issue from his many years of reporting: Louis pushed back against the idea that failing yeshivas are cooperating in turnaround efforts but just need more time, resources, and patience from education authorities, noting that YAFFED has spent more than 10 years advocating for change, and asking “is it time to actually resolve the issue rather than continue talking?”
Watch the video below to see what the candidates had to say:
Note: YAFFED is a 501(c)3 and does not endorse any political candidates. We do, however, fully endorse responsible public policy that ensures a sound basic education for all students. As the only organization advocating for policy to ensure a sound basic education for every yeshiva student, it is our responsibility to help our supporters be as informed as possible about candidates’ policy positions.
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