Dr. Devorah Halevy, LCSW, an adjunct instructor and alumna of Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work, was invited as a guest panelist to the National Drug Control Strategy Summit, held at the White House on May 6, 2026.

Organized by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the two-day event brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officials, faith leaders and community advocates from across the country to explore national approaches to addiction and recovery.

Dr. Halevy participated in discussions on the role of faith and community. She described both as “powerful forces that can offer vital healing, particularly to the vulnerable who often find themselves on the peripheries of our communities.” 

Reflecting on her experience at the summit, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to an important national conversation. "As a representative of the Jewish community, I felt humbled to be part of this gathering and deeply grateful to Yeshiva University and my mentors who helped shape my path.”

In addition to her teaching at Wurzweiler, Dr. Halevy conducts research at Syracuse University on the ecological factors that influence suicide. She and her husband, Rabbi Yonatan Halevy, co-founded Shiviti. Based in San Diego, the international initiative integrates education and spiritual guidance while fostering strong, value-driven communities.