YU’s new anthem, “I am YU,” written and sung by the music sensation Simcha Leiner, has become the latest hit on the Jewish music scene. With over 1,000 views on YouTube, the video premiered at YU’s 2025 Commencement, with lyrics inspired by President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman’s vision of YU as a beacon of moral clarity, commitment to Torah values and students leading lives of impact.
The video with was shot on YU’s Wilf and Beren campuses from January-May of this year, with excited students and faculty eager to participate. "Getting the students involved was both fun and essential,” said Leiner. “The essence of the song lies in identifying the moments of personal and communal growth that each student can attribute to their time at YU.” Since the release of the song and video, Leiner has been asked to sing the anthem during his performances at weddings.
The singer’s connection to YU goes back a long way. When he was 11 years old, he spent two nights a week studying with the late great chazzan Sherwood Goffin A’’H. This went on for two years, after which time “The Chaz,” as he was affectionately called, held a mock graduation for Leiner in honor of his bar mitzvah. The two would meet at YU’s Belz School on the YU campus, and a few years later, the School placed him as chazzan at Ohr Torah in West Orange, New Jersey. “It was my first glimpse into the world of YU, and I have been closely connected ever since,” added Leiner. He’s also performed at various YU chagigas as well as at YU’s 2024 Hanukkah Dinner, at which he premiered a new song he wrote, “Shatter The Night.”
“I am YU” is yet another popular and well-received song by Leiner, a sought-after singer at sold-out concerts, events and weddings around the world. He first debuted on the Jewish music scene in 2008 with his breakout single, “Kol Berama,” establishing him as one of Jewish music’s most talented, creative and energetic performers. Since that monster hit, he has produced seven acclaimed albums with his singles garnering millions of views on various platforms. Leiner is also chazzan for the Yomim Noraim at the Young Israel of Woodmere.
The video can be viewed at.
Love the song? Send a video of you singing the song to IAYU@yu.edu or post it on Instagram and tag @myyustory
Lyrics to “I am YU,” written by Simcha Leiner
We’re the dreamers
We’re the believers
Chasing visions past the sky
Every step we take is a history
Building a future where dreams rise
We seek the truth
We seek what’s right
With wisdom and fire
We take flight
Guided by values we’re ready to rise
Shaping tomorrow reaching the prize
I am YU the future is in my hands
With the vision, a heart that understands
Every moment we grow and shine
Shaping the future, making it mine
I am YU
