Posted on November 10, 2025
Outstanding Jewish College Students from Thirty Colleges Selected to Join a Dynamic Community of Bridge-Builders
November 2025 — The Bronfman Fellowship has selected its second cohort of outstanding Jewish college students for Campus Commons: Building Bridges with Jewish Wisdom, which empowers students to use Jewish wisdom to cut through polarization on their campuses and beyond. This cohort of 35 college students with diverse Jewish backgrounds come from 30 campuses across 14 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Among them are a participant in three humanitarian aid trips to wartime Ukraine, the leader of five film festivals, the co-founder of their university’s Interfaith Initiative, and the creator of a podcast that aims to foster thoughtful conversations around complex topics. The cohort begins their semester-long program with a multi-day immersive, in-person seminar on November 13, 2025.
Designed by leading Jewish educators at The Bronfman Fellowship, Campus Commons is a powerful response to the rise in polarization, social instability, and isolation on college campuses, particularly for Jewish students. According to a 2022 study by Heterodox Academy, over 63% of college students report that the climate on their campus prevents people from saying things they believe because others might find them offensive. At the same time, 88% believe that colleges should encourage students to be open to learning from people whose beliefs differ from their own. Campus Commons helps participants cultivate their own agency and gain real-world, actionable skills to foster environments where people can build relationships across differences. Participants explore core Jewish ideas and texts related to pluralism, as well as the latest research in social psychology, communication, and conflict management.
“I am thrilled to welcome the second cohort of inspiring students to Campus Commons,” said Becky Voorwinde, CEO of The Bronfman Fellowship. “These motivated young people give me much optimism for the future. In their applications to the program, many of the participants expressed a special passion for cultivating pluralistic spaces, and for having productive conversations around heated topics regarding Israel and antisemitism within the Jewish community.”
The pilot program of Campus Commons, launched earlier this year, has been remarkably successful. According to a survey of participants, 96% said they gained greater insight into their own strengths or motivations as a bridge-builder, and encountered at least one new perspective that they found meaningful and thought-provoking. 93% learned at least one new skill for communicating across differences, and experienced at least one new or enriching aspect of Judaism through the program.
Campus Commons draws from The Bronfman Fellowship’s 39 years of experience in fostering pluralistic Jewish community and leadership through its flagship year-long Fellowship program for Jewish teenagers in North America and Israel, and through programming for its vibrant alumni community. At the core of the Fellowship’s approach is a passionate belief that building trust and mutual understanding works best when Jews can learn and engage together and with other communities, drawing on Jewish texts and tradition as tools for finding a common language. Campus Commons is made possible through grants from UJA-Federation of New York, The Jeffrey H. and Shari L. Aronson Family Foundation, and Combined Jewish Philanthropies.
During their in-person seminar, participants in Campus Commons will delve deeply into Jewish texts, learn how to have challenging conversations, engage in small-group discussions, and build relationships with other college students who are interested in bridge-building. The program also includes monthly Zoom sessions for learning and reflection on experiences on campus, and mentorship to assist participants in the design of their own on-campus initiatives. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate in Relationship Building Across Difference.
The Campus Commons cohort will learn with an esteemed faculty, including Rabba Yaffa Epstein, Senior Scholar and Educator-in-Residence at The Jewish Education Project; Dan Libenson, President of Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah; Dr. Evan Parks, Director of Education for The Bronfman Fellowship; Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, Executive Director of the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at NYU; and Ruben Shimonov, visual artist and National Director of Sephardi House and Education at the American Sephardi Federation. They will also interact with a wide range of Bronfman staff members, alumni mentors, and guest speakers.
Students interested in participating in upcoming national cohorts of Campus Commons can contact Sophia Adler Varon at campuscommons@bronfman.org. This all-expenses-paid program is open to full-time college students who identify as Jewish and who have completed at least one year of college. Cohorts will be comprised of a diverse mix of student leaders, some of whom are formally involved in Jewish life on campus and some of whom are not. Preference will be given to students who are from New York and/or who attend a New York college. Students can learn more about the program at campuscommons.bronfman.org.
The Bronfman Fellowship hopes to further expand the program through more partnerships with local communities and funders. For more information and to apply, please visit www.campuscommons.bronfman.org. For questions about the program, please contact campuscommons@bronfman.org.
Following is a list of the participants in the second cohort of Campus Commons, arranged geographically by home state. Pictures available upon request.
CALIFORNIA:
Shamim (Shira) Elyaszadeh
NYU
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
My name is Shira Elyaszadeh and I am a sophomore at NYU majoring in International Relations with a regional specialization in the Middle East. Growing up, Persian identity was central to religious identity and observance. While I attended Shalhevet High School in Los Angeles, I was involved in building bridges as a Diller Teen Fellow, Jewish Women’s Archive Rising Voices Fellow, and StandWithUs Leventhal Intern. Currently, I am a Policy Intern at the Brandeis Center for Human Rights and a research intern at UCLA Center for Middle Eastern Development. In my free time, I enjoy staying updated on current events, practicing yoga, and cooking.
Eliza (Ellie) Roth
NYU
Hometown: Palo Alto, CA
My name is Eliza Roth and I am a sophomore at New York University studying Media, Culture and Communication with an interest in Impact Producing. I enjoy creative directing stories for the NYU fashion magazine, watching documentaries and spending time with friends. I was raised as a reformed Jew in Palo Alto, California, and especially connected with my Jewish identity during my bat mitzvah, BBYO board participation (Sh’licha, Gizborit, Safranit) and teaching Sunday School. My role as Sh’licha inspired much of my passion for Tikkun Olam and political advocacy. Throughout High School, I produced the News Show and directed various social justice-oriented broadcast stories. At NYU, I attend the “Rejewvenate” Shabbat most weeks (I was on the Engagement and Recruitment board Freshman year), and am currently a CLIP Intern through HiIlel, on the social justice team for The Workers Circle, fighting to preserve democracy and protect Immigrant rights.
Josephine (Jojo) Sidney
University of California, Santa Cruz
Hometown: Irvine, CA
I’m double majoring in Cognitive Science and Film. I work as the Curriculum Coordinator at a local synagogue and as the president of the Santa Cruz Hillel. I have worked on over 20 films during my college career, led 5 film festivals, and planned many Jewish and film-related events. In my free time I enjoy cooking and spending time with friends.
CONNECTICUT:
Nina Feldman
McGill University (Montreal, Canada)
Hometown: Weston, CT
My name is Nina Feldman, and I’m from the small town of Weston, Connecticut. I’m a third-year student at McGill University, where I study Political Science and Jewish Studies. I’m passionate about social justice and advocacy, and I hope to continue my academic journey by pursuing a degree in constitutional law. I grew up in a Reform Jewish household, with Israeli grandparents and great-grandparents who survived the Holocaust. On campus, I’m deeply involved in the Jewish community. I have served as Vice President of Advocacy for Hillel McGill and participated in several fellowships, including the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee Fellowship, the American Jewish Committee Goldman Summer Fellowship, and NYU’s Collegiate Leadership Internship Program. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a career in Jewish diplomacy, specifically focusing on drafting legislation to combat antisemitism.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:
Yael Nemeth
Penn State University (State College, PA)
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
My name is Yael and I am a rising senior at Penn State studying biological engineering! I grew up in a big traditional egalitarian Jewish community in DC and am now part of a small but spirited conservative Jewish community at school. I spent my summers going to Ramah in New England and I worked at the DC day camp for two years as a counselor. I’ve been involved with Keshet since high school, first as a participant and more recently as a Shabbaton fellow. I’m the student president of ASABE, the professional organization associated with my major. I spent my summer working at a small kombucha brewery in Atlanta, Georgia as a brewery intern. I applied to this program because my Hillel rabbi told me it would be rewarding and I trust his judgement as a “cool millennial” who has the same exact New Balance sneakers as I do.
GEORGIA:
Sophie Kieffer
Brown University (Providence, RI)
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Sophie Kieffer (she/her) is delighted to participate in Campus Commons. She is graduating from Brown University with a degree in Religious Studies in December 2025. On campus, she can be found tending to the campus garden, doing outreach with a campus housing organization, and leading her peers on backpacking trips. Her Jewish experience at Brown has been abundantly joyful as she has collaborated with Brown RISD Hillel and the Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life on Yom Kippur sound baths and Passover Seders. Sophie is proud of her Jewish Atlanta upbringing, which emphasized the importance of tikkun hanefesh, appreciating the natural world, and delicious food. She believes Judaism has the power to embrace and empower all in their individual identity and collective experience.
Mariia (Masha) Sukhomlinova
Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
My name is Mariia (Masha) Sukhomlinova, and I am a sophomore Woodruff Scholar from Emory University double majoring in Religion and Sociology, on the Pre-Law track. I am involved with Emory Law School’s Center for the Study of Law and Religion, the MUN travel team, and Emory Hillel, among other on-campus organizations.
MARYLAND:
Lauren Frank
University of Maryland (College Park, MD)
Hometown: Brookeville, MD
My name is Lauren Frank, and I’m a junior studying journalism at the University of Maryland. I’ve been involved in the Jewish community for as long as I can remember. I attended religious school at my local synagogue, where I became a Bat Mitzvah and later worked as a teacher from 2021 to 2023. From 2016 to 2019, I spent my summers at Capital Camps, a Jewish sleepaway camp. In high school, I served as president of my school’s JSU chapter and was active in the Jewish youth organization BBYO, where I participated in both local and international programs, including during the summers of 2021 and 2022. Since beginning college, I’ve been involved with MEOR, where I’ve completed the Maimonides and Freshman Fellowship programs.
MASSACHUSETTS:
Carolyn Bernstein
NYU
Hometown: Newton, MA
I’m Carolyn Bernstein (she/her), a rising junior at NYU studying Music Business. I’m passionate about how art builds community, especially through Jewish spaces. I’m currently the Music Associate at Havurah, a Jewish art collective in NYC, where I support live event production, creative programming, and artist engagement. I’m also a member of NYU’s Young Ambassadors for Peace program, which brings together students from diverse backgrounds to explore dialogue, empathy, and conflict transformation within the scope of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Additionally, I serve as Vice President of NYU Hillel’s student executive board and am involved with NYU Global Spiritual Life’s Multifaith Advisory Council. I spent a year studying in Jerusalem at the Hartman Institute, where I deepened my commitment to pluralism and Jewish peoplehood, and I come from a traditionally Modern Orthodox background. I’m excited to learn alongside others who care deeply about identity, justice, and building a more compassionate world.
Kiley Fray
Brandeis (Waltham, MA)
Hometown: Malden, MA
I was raised in Malden, MA. I attended Malden public schools throughout my lower education, and I am now a Junior at Brandeis University. I am a Bronfman alumni ’22. I would describe Jewish upbringing as secular/reform, but over the years I have stopped using any labels to describe my Jewishness. I am a philosophy and politics major.
Ari Klawans
Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY)
Hometown: Natick, MA
I am a senior Cinema and Photography major at Ithaca College, where I have written and produced award-winning work. I was raised in an observant household within the Conservative movement in Natick, MA. I went to public school and extracurricular Hebrew school K-12, attended Camp Ramah New England, and served as president of my USY Chapter. On campus, I serve as Hillel Student President and as a Chabad board member. Additionally, I am Co-President of my campus’s Sketch Comedy Club and an active member of IC’s comedy community, for which I write, perform, and regularly produce live shows. I also have experience interning with Jewish non-profit and for-profit organizations in media-related roles.
Yonina Levisohn
University of Maryland (College Park, MD)
Hometown: Sharon, MA
I’m Yonina, a philosophy major on the premed track at the University of Maryland. I’m passionate about applied ethics and theology, especially how they inform medicine, identity, and the ways we engage with the world. I grew up Modern Orthodox and attended Berman Hebrew Academy, followed by a gap year at Lindenbaum, where I gained my love of deep thinking and my foundation in Jewish learning. During college, I’ve been involved in JStreet U, Hadar’s Project Zug, Shalshelet Shivyoni, and interfaith events where I’ve enjoyed engaging in nuanced conversations about community and justice. I’ve also loved working in medical research focused on genetics and psychiatry and tutoring chemistry and math. Campus Commons feels like a natural extension of the questions I care about most – how we live thoughtfully and ethically in a pluralistic world. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to participate.
MICHIGAN:
Reid Smith
Stanford (Stanford, CA)
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI
I’m Reid Smith, originally from Metro Detroit, Michigan, and currently a Political Science major at Stanford University. I am co-president at Stanford JVP. I grew up attending public school and going to a Reform synagogue for Sunday school through 8th grade. Looking back, I often wished my religious education had made more room for disagreement, critical thinking, and diverse perspectives—especially when it came to conversations about Israel. I’m passionate about political dialogue (and love a good debate on just about anything else too).
MINNESOTA:
Nathaniel Chang-Deutsch
List College (New York, NY)
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
I am a student in the JTS-Columbia Joint Program. I am interested in Yiddish language and culture, Jewish history, linguistics, and philosophy. I am active in the traditional egalitarian/conservative style minyan on campus, Koach. I am also involved with the Philolexian Society, a satirical debate club.
NEW JERSEY:
Elianna Perlman
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
Hometown: South Orange, NJ
Elianna is a senior at Johns Hopkins University who grew up at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, a reform synagogue in South Orange, NJ. She is an enthusiastic extrovert majoring in Cognitive Science and Psychology who plans to apply for rabbinical school at Hebrew Union College after earning her bachelor’s degree. In high school, Elianna was Programming Vice President, and then President, of NFTY-GER and participated in various Jewish leadership programs through the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, including Iris Teen Tzedakah and Diller Teen Fellows. During college, she has stayed involved with Jewish life through Hillel, most notably going on a Birthright trip to Israel last Winter, traveling on a group cruise in Europe over Spring break, and co-leading the Jewish Learning Fellowship last year. In her free time, you can find Elianna doing fiber arts (especially knitting), reading, or spending quality time with friends and family.
Hannah Rose
Binghamton University (Vestal, NY)
Hometown: Teaneck, NJ
My name is Hannah Rose, I was born in NYC and live in Teaneck, NJ. I have three younger sisters and lots of animals. I attended Jewish day school until I graduated from Frisch in 2023. I just started my junior year at Binghamton University as a psychology major and cinema minor. I am involved in the Chabad of Binghamton as a member of their G-Board. I plan to attend PA school after college and specialize in pediatrics.
Ari Schwartz
Joint Program at Columbia University and The Jewish Theological Seminary (New York, NY)
Hometown: Berlin, NJ
I am a sophomore in the Joint Program at Columbia University and The Jewish Theological Seminary, studying Human Rights and Hebrew Bible. I am originally from Berlin, NJ, and I grew up in the Reform and Reconstructionist Jewish traditions. I attended a public high school where I led the American Civics, Mental Health, Choral Music, and JSU clubs, and I served as an international teen leader in BBYO. Most recently, I worked for BBYO as a Jewish Enrichment Intern. I am a Gabbai at Koach: The Traditional Egalitarian, Conservative-Style Minyan and Community at Columbia/Barnard Hillel, where I also graduated from Hillel Fellowships, including First-Year Leadership, Shabbat Lab, Judaism & God, and Judaism & Gender. I have had training in Yin Yoga teaching, Community Organizing for Jewish Climate Justice, and Dialogue Across Differences.
NEW YORK:
Lia Abuhsira
Fordham University (New York, NY)
Hometown: New York, NY
Lia Abuhsira was born in Jerusalem and raised back and forth between Israel and Washington, DC before moving to New York to pursue architecture and visual arts at Fordham. Lia is currently an Emerson fellow, CLIP graphic design intern, and Hillel President on her campus. In her free time, she is passionate about using art as a form of religious expression, advocating for her Moroccan roots and Dati-Leumi (Zionist Orthodox) community. You can also find Lia trying matcha spots across the city, doing pilates, trying to recreate her grandma’s recipes, or listening to a mix of Afrohouse and Mizrahi music.
Samuel Drescher
Williams College (Williamstown, MA)
Hometown: Scarsdale, NY
I am a senior at Williams College studying chemistry and public health, and I am originally from Westchester, NY. I grew up going to Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. On campus, I’m the president of our outing club, where I lead a lot of outdoors trips, I work as a tour guide, and I’m in an improv comedy group called Combo Za. I am also on the board of the Williams College Jewish Association and am very involved with Jewish life on campus.
Maya Garren Tam
Columbia University (New York, NY)
Hometown: New York, NY
I attended Hasmonean High School for Girls in London and am currently pursuing my undergraduate studies at Columbia University in New York. I participated in three humanitarian aid trips to wartime Ukraine. Since 2022, I have supervised the Parysow Project, overseeing the translation of Yizkor books from Yiddish into English and Hebrew.
Ben Hymowitz
Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY)
Hometown: White Plains, NY
My name is Ben Hymowitz, and I’m a junior Music Business major with a minor in Jewish Studies at Hofstra University. I was raised in and continue to practice Reform Judaism, which has deeply shaped my perspective and values. My studies have allowed me to explore the intersection of music, culture, and identity, which is something I’m passionate about. On campus, I’m actively involved in Hillel and serve as the Vice President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. I’m excited to continue building community, learning from different perspectives, and connecting with all of you through this program.
Andrew Shamailov
Hunter College (New York, NY)
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
My name is Andrew Shamailov, I currently am attending my final semester at Hunter College studying political science. My focus outside is my music. I am of Kavkazi decent and have been involved with Bronfman since 2020!
Zach Steinfeld
Brooklyn College (Brooklyn, NY)
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
My name is Zach. I am an orthodox Jew going to Brooklyn College. Before college, I went to school in yeshivas, for both elementary and high school. I currently spend most of my time at the Brooklyn College Hillel, where I am always helping to set up and plan events. I am also a part of a Jewish Acapella group called Tizmoret. In terms of my interests, I like many things technology. I play a lot of video games, and I like to code in my free time as well. I am also a big fan of music and theater, having done it a lot in high school. I’m always looking for a new Broadway show to see. But more than anything, I love to talk. Talking with others is one of my favorite pastimes. That’s why I’m so excited for this program!
Hailey Tokayer
Hunter College (New York, NY)
Hometown: New York, NY
My name is Hailey Tokayer and I’m a proud Upper West Sider. I went to SAR High School, Midreshet Harova, and am a rising Junior in Macaulay Honors College at Hunter where I major in English Literature and minor in Jewish studies. This summer I worked at Camp Moshava IO, where I was a Rosh Eidah (division head) for campers going into high school. At Hunter, I spearhead the Interfaith Initiative, facilitating conversation and activities between members of different religious groups. I look forward to learning with and from the other Bridge Builders!
David Tuller
Nazareth University (Rochester, NY)
Hometown: Rochester, NY
My name is David Tuller, I attend Nazareth University in western New York and am thrilled about this opportunity to grow. In my free time I love to play tennis and hang out with friends.
Silvia Yakubova
Baruch College (New York, NY)
Hometown: Rego Park, NY
I’m Silvia Yakubova, a first-year student at Baruch College exploring psychology, Jewish thought, Chinese medicine, and education, and how they can come together in public service. I’ve hosted a podcast called Life Interrupted, where I shared personal stories and perspectives on life’s challenges. I also help my Chabad community with outreach and program creation, designing fun and inspiring activities for Jewish teens. My Jewish and secular education, including my studies at Baruch, have shaped my curiosity, empathy, and commitment to meaningful dialogue. I love learning from diverse perspectives and creating spaces where people feel understood. I’m excited to connect with other Bridge Builders, share ideas, and grow through thoughtful conversations and collaboration.
OREGON:
Jacob Glass
The George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)
Hometown: Portland, OR
I am a junior at The George Washington University, majoring in history and journalism with a minor in Judaic studies. I am a member of the national board of J Street U, the campus organizing arm of J Street, as well as a member of my college’s chapter. I’m from Portland, Oregon, and was raised in the conservative Jewish movement, including as a participant in USY and a camper at Camp Solomon Schechter in Washington state. I recently started an internship at Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, and I serve as a member of my university’s Interfaith Student Advisory Board. I’m interested in politics, education, and media. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, watching movies, and attending concerts.
PENNSYLVANIA:
Rose (Rosie) Ackerman
Smith College (Northampton, MA)
Hometown: Penn Valley, PA
My name is Rosie, and I’m a junior at Smith College, where I’m an English major and Jewish Studies minor. I’m originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia (go birds). I went to Jewish day school my entire life, first at Perelman Jewish Day School and later at Jack Barrack Hebrew Academy. I grew up and still work at Camp Ramah in the Poconos, my absolute favorite place on the planet. Right now, I’m the co-chair of Smith’s Jewish student organization. Being Jewish is pretty much my entire life, and I am forever grateful for the community Judaism has given me.
Miriam Decker
Rutgers (New Brunswick, NJ)
Hometown: Elkins Park, PA
I am a current senior at Rutgers studying Agriculture and Food Systems. My educational background began at a Conservative day school that I attended until 5th grade, then transitioned between public and Orthodox schools before graduating from public high school. I also spent a year learning at an Orthodox seminary in Jerusalem post high school, and have worked and attended both pluralistic and Conservative Jewish summer camps. I’m actively involved with organizations like J Street, Adamah, and Shamayim, where I engage with Jewish values through food justice, environmental sustainability, and social advocacy.
Madeline (Mimi) Jamieson
Villanova (Villanova, PA)
Hometown: Abington, PA
My name is Madeline Jamieson, but I go by Mimi. I’m from Abington, PA (outside Philadelphia) and currently study at Villanova University, majoring in Finance and Marketing. I’m interested in a career in Asset and Wealth Management, though my long-term goal is to work with a nonprofit I feel connected to. Growing up, I attended Hebrew school and had my Bat Mitzvah. While I didn’t love Hebrew school, I enjoyed preparing for my Bat Mitzvah – the public speaking, responsibility, and mitzvah project all left a lasting impact. At Villanova, I’ve built on those values through roles as a business school ambassador, facilitator for Leadership Communitas, and member of the Student Equity Advisory Board. I love connecting with people, and friends describe me as outgoing and unafraid to speak up for myself and others.
TEXAS:
Lainie Siegel
Southwestern University (Georgetown, TX)
Hometown: Dallas, TX
I am a reform Ashkenazi Jew from Texas, and the only Jew in my schools growing up, often involved with song leading at my synagogue. At my university, I am a student ambassador and tour guide. I am a psychology and studio art double major. I hold the position of co-president of our Jewish Students’ Association, working alongside dedicated peers to create a vibrant and supportive environment for Jewish students on campus. I am the secretary of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, and outreach and recruitment chair for the Beekeeping Engagement and Education Community. I am an active member of the Student Foundation, Psi Chi honor society, Gardening Club, and Cat Partners. I have also held a summer internship for the Dallas Museum of Art, and an animal rescue non-profit Awwdoptable. I’m interested in nearly everything: drawing, spending time with animals, makeup and fashion, weightlifting, dancing, videogames, gardening, etc.
WASHINGTON:
Abigail Assadi
Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.)
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Abigail Assadi is a senior at Georgetown University studying Government with minors in Jewish Civilization and Religion, Ethics, & World Affairs. Abigail recently conducted original research on transitional justice and democracy in Belgrade, Serbia, which was selected for presentation at Harvard University’s National Collegiate Research Conference. Passionate about intercultural and interreligious engagement, Abigail has participated in the Emerging Peacemakers Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, the Middle Meets dialogue project, and the Emerging Leaders Council at PeaceWorks Foundation. She has interned in the U.S. House of Representatives, the American Academy of Diplomacy, and the Department of Homeland Security, preparing herself for a career in international public service. Abigail proudly leads Georgetown’s Jewish Students Association as co-president and serves as a research assistant and student ambassador at the Walsh School of Foreign Service in the Center for Jewish Civilization.
WISCONSIN:
Talia Richmond
Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)
Hometown: Madison, WI
I am a sophomore at Cornell University studying Economics and History/ Art History. I grew up in Wisconsin in a Conservative community, but enjoy exploring Jewish practices across denominations. I am particularly interested in how faith informs decision making, as well as using art as a forum to express religious tradition and navigate cross-cultural and political polarization. At Cornell, I am involved in academic research, Jewish leadership, and interfaith initiatives. In my free time, I love creating art, dancing, and swimming outdoors!
CANADA:
Abby Finkelstein
Toronto Metropolitan University (Toronto, ON)
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
My name is Abby, and I’m from Toronto, Canada. I went to TanenbaumCHAT, one of the largest community Jewish high schools in North America, and now I’m at Toronto Metropolitan University getting my Bachelor of Design in Fashion. I’m a Diller Teen Fellow alum and served as a Junior Counsellor for the Toronto cohort in my Grade 12 year. I’m going into my second year at TMU, where I’ll be joining my Hillel’s exec board as the incoming Director of Campus Clubs Relations. I also serve as the Social Media Chair for my Jewish sorority, Zeta Beta Omega.
Uriel Presman Chikiar
Queen’s University (Kingston, Canada)
Hometown: Vancouver, Canada
I’m Uriel Presman Chikiar, originally from Argentina and now studying Political Studies at Queen’s University in Canada, with a minor in Philosophy and Economics. I graduated from King David High School in Vancouver, where I was actively involved in Jewish life and student leadership. I’ve participated in programs with Hillel, NCSY, and StandWithUs, and I currently work in political advocacy and organizing. My Jewish journey has taken me through both traditional and pluralistic spaces, and I’m passionate about building bridges through respectful dialogue and community engagement.