Shocked and Offended

To the Editor:

I was shocked and offended by both the tone and content of Mordechai Fishman's March 23^rd column concerning the Yeshiva University High Schools. As a central figure in the events discussed in the column, I can tell you from first-hand knowledge that the tale Mr. Fishman spins is more fiction than fact. In addition, by prefacing his intemperate and inaccurate remarks by professing his love of Yeshiva University and respect for its esteemed president, he adds insult to injury.

Mr Fishman's assertion that "blame for the current fiasco" rests "at the doorstep" of President Lamm is not only disrespectful, it is patently false. To begin with, there is no "fiasco." There has been controversy, and opinions have differed. But the issues have been resolved. Our high schools are not only being strengthened by, among other things, enhancing the governance structure. Credit for this turnaround resides with Dr. Lamm.

The program to strengthen the Yeshiva University high schools includes a commitment by the Board of Trustees of Rabbi Issac Elchanan Theological Seminary to assume a more interactive role in supporting the schools. To accomplish this objective, RIETS has established an interim steering committee as the successor to the High Schools Board, which I had previously chaired. Mr. Fishman claims that I first learned that the High Schools Board would be replaced from a student at a basketball game. This is pure fiction. Officials had discussed the reorganization with me in advance, and I support it wholeheartedly. Along with other members of the former High Schools Board, I will continue working to build support for both the Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy for Boys and the Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for Girls.

"To watch this institution be dragged down into the mud time and time again for no other reason than petty personal vendettas and half-witted cockamamie posturing is torture of the worst kind," Mr. Fishman writes.

At last we agree!

Elliot Gibber

Co-Chairman, Interim Steering Committee

Yeshiva University High Schools

Mordechai Fishman replies:

Strange bedfellows indeed. I stand by my version of the events.