The next generation of political leaders and advocates for Israel and American Jewry took center stage at the Senator Joseph Lieberman-Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy student launch event, which was hosted on the Wilf Campus in Belfer Hall on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
Over 150 students, faculty, alumni and guests gathered in Weissberg Commons to hear from a panel of young and engaging speakers: Shabbos Kestenbaum, American Jewish activist, Joe Vogel, Maryland State legislator (D), and Rudy Rochman, Israel activist and IDF veteran. In keeping with the theme of empowering the next generation, the panel was moderated by Lieberman-Mitzner Scholars Tayla Naggar and Daniella Landau.
The diverse panelists hit on different notes and ways for young students to become leaders and advocates in the Jewish political sphere. Vogel, with his experience in the legislature, encouraged the students to work within the political system, stressing that change is indeed very possible and that allies can be found on both sides of the aisle. Kestenbaum also touched on bipartisanship, noting that while he identifies as a Democrat, he has been reassured by President Trump’s efforts to combat antisemitism and support of Israel.
Rochman, who does not live in the United States but did attend Columbia University, pushed the students to learn about their history so they can be empowered to speak up against lies and falsehoods and properly educate those around them. He cited a formative college experience, where he befriended a progressive Jewish student who held negative feelings toward Israel. Rochman did not give up on this friend and invited him to participate in dialogues where they spoke about Israeli history and Jewish identity, eventually leading to this very same friend leaving Columbia to serve in the IDF. Today, the brothers of Rochman and this friend serve together in the IDF.
While this served as the official student launch of the Lieberman Center, the Center has already been active on campus, co-hosting a presidential debate watch party with the JP Dunner Political Science Society.
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