Aliya Zigman is a senior at the University of Denver, studying psychology and philosophy. Passionate about trauma-informed care and somatic health, Aliya plans to make Aliyah to Israel after graduation to pursue a career as a therapist specializing in these areas. She is a StandWithUs Emerson Fellow and serves as the Director of Strategy and Education for the University of Denver’s chapter of Students Supporting Israel (SSI). From 2023 to 2024, Aliya spent a gap year in Israel, volunteering in Kibbutz Harduf. There, she taught English to Arab children in neighbouring villages and worked alongside individuals with mental disabilities. Aliya’s experiences have deepened her connection to Judaism, inspired her commitment to Israel, and shaped her vision for a career dedicated to helping others heal.

Isaac Babus is a photographer, advocate, and student leader passionate about using storytelling to create meaningful change. He is currently studying psychology at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he combines his academic interests with creative work that elevates underrepresented voices. Isaac has worked on projects such as documenting the stories of residents at DignityMoves, Santa Barbara’s first tiny-housing community for the homeless. On campus, he is actively involved in Jewish advocacy, serving as a Hasbara Fellow, a student representative for Jewish on Campus, and Vice President of Lewis & Clark Hillel, where he is set to serve as President next year. He also contributes to campus dialogue initiatives and the student newspaper. Through his photography, writing, and leadership, Isaac is dedicated to fostering understanding and building bridges across diverse communities.

Brooklyn is in her final year of undergraduate studies in psychology, cognitive science, and international development at McGill University, where her special interest has been ethnically adaptive trauma coping. She has been an advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ equity issues in academic settings, as well as work to improve Title IX consent education in schools. Brooklyn’s leadership experience includes an array of vital roles in Model UN conferences in Montreal and the Bay Area, and in 2021 she founded and acted as President for a Bay Area community initiative to improve civil and political discourse among students. As part of her participation with ITME, Brooklyn hopes to foster thoughtful dialogue between students in Montreal, a city that has seen dramatic rise in antisemitism and racial-ethnic violence since 10/7.

Samantha Abdoo is a freshman at the University of Cincinnati, double-majoring in English and Political Science with plans to attend law school after graduation. She is passionate about advocacy, leadership, and helping others engage with complex issues through clear and thoughtful communication. On campus, Samantha works to strengthen Jewish life and promote dialogue through organizations like Bearcats for Israel. She joined the Inside the Middle East Fellowship to deepen her understanding of the region and develop the tools to communicate effectively and responsibly about Israel and Zionism. Samantha hopes to continue building bridges across communities while preparing for a future in law and public service.

Ilai Rabinowitz is a student at Case Western Reserve University, pursuing a double major in Biochemistry and Philosophy. With a passion for bridging the gap between science, ethics, and society, Ilai’s academic work spans both laboratory research and community-based initiatives. In the Farago-Tirosh Lab, Ilai studies cellular stress responses in cancer, contributing to research on how tumors adapt to treatment pressures—work that has strengthened his scientific curiosity and technical expertise in molecular biology. Beyond the lab, Ilai applies critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving to campus leadership. As a member of Undergraduate Student Government and co-founder of Case Listens, he works to promote meaningful dialogue on complex social and political issues. Ilai also engages in public health outreach through CWRU MedWish and Emergency Medical Services, combining academic learning with community impact.