In the U.S. for sensitive meetings with senior FBI officials, Zini speaks with YU students about Israel, Jewish responsibility and next-generation leadership.
During his first visit to the United States since becoming Director of the Shin Bet, Major General (res.) David Zini—one of Israel’s most senior security officials—visited Yeshiva University President, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, and spoke directly with students about the future of Israel, the Jewish people, and the spiritual strength and wisdom their generation will need to lead in an increasingly complex world.
The visit came amid a consequential U.S. trip focused on national and international security. A former IDF major general and veteran combat commander, Zini met in Washington with FBI Director Kash Patel for discussions on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, terror financing and emerging security capabilities.
“Director Zini’s visit speaks powerfully to the enduring bond between Yeshiva University and the State of Israel and to our distinctive responsibility in the Jewish world,” said Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University. “Our mission is to educate students at the highest level and prepare them to lead with moral clarity, courage and conviction. Director Zini has devoted his life to serving Israel and the Jewish people, and the opportunity for our students to learn directly from his example was deeply meaningful.”
“One message that particularly stood out from Director Zini was that a leader does not believe that certain tasks are beneath him,” said one Yeshiva University student. “Instead, no task is too small, and a strong leader approaches every responsibility with the same level of importance. We are so grateful for the opportunity to hear from such a world leader and impactful figure in Am Yisrael!"
“Director Zini’s willingness to listen to our students reflected the very care and responsibility he described as essential qualities of leadership,” said another Yeshiva University student.
Drawing on a career spent at the highest levels of Israeli military and national security leadership, Zini described leadership as a profound responsibility rooted in limitless care for others and emphasized the moral strength required to lead during difficult times.
Looking ahead, Zini turned to the extraordinary technological changes students will face as leaders, particularly the accelerating power of artificial intelligence. Greater material capabilities, he told them, must be matched by greater spiritual fortitude.
For Yeshiva University students, the encounter offered a rare opportunity to hear directly from a leader charged with confronting some of the most difficult security challenges facing Israel and the Jewish people, and to consider their own role in shaping what comes next.
