
Lieberman-Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy Scholars
Applications for 2025-2026 Cohort Deadline - DECEMBER 31, 2024
Cohort 1
Binyamin Eidlisz
Benjamin Eidlisz was raised in the vibrant community of Woodmere, New York, and graduated as an AP Scholar with Distinction from DRS Yeshiva High School, where he served as the Captain of the Wrestling and Debate Team and the Founder of the DRS Investing Initiative 鈥 the schools largest club. He then spent two years in Israel, immersed in Talmud and Jewish Thought at Yeshivat Orayta, which led him and his family to start Create for Israel, an organization facilitating American support for Israel through art 鈥 it has thus far sent over 300 personal and heartfelt videos to Israelis. In the summer, he is a 3rd Year Veteran Counselor at Camp HASC and a Red Cross Certified Lifeguard. In college, he will double major in Economics and English to pave a path for advocacy, business, and law. In Benjamin鈥檚 free time, he enjoys crafting pizza with friends, honing his skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and watching The Office with family.
Daniella Landau
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Daniella graduated with high honors from Berman Hebrew Academy High School.
Throughout her high school years, she made impactful contributions to organizations such as Imadi, Johns Hopkins, JEWELS School, Shalva, and Save a Child's Heart, championing initiatives supporting individuals with special needs and promoting children's health. Her multifaceted talents were further evident in her role as the Social Media Manager and Assistant Buyer at Mon Petit, a New York City-based clothing store, where she excelled in digital marketing and administrative fashion. Daniella's additional achievements include winning first place in her high school's Media Center Art Contest, alongside pivotal roles within Imadi, where she served as a Social Media Ambassador, Johns Hopkins Team Leader, first generation volunteer, and Camp Counselor, offering crucial support to families and children grappling with chronic illnesses and genetic conditions. Moreover, Daniella played a prominent role in her school's Israel Activist Club, contributing her voice and passion to its endeavors. During a transformative gap year in Israel at Midreshet Moriah, Daniella deepened her Judaic knowledge, strengthened her faith, and delved into the rich history of her Jewish homeland. Her future ambitions include pursuing a career in constitutional law in order to become a prominent pro-Israel lobbyist and media presence, helping to combat antisemitism in the United States, and representing Israel with confidence, knowledge, and compassion. Currently pursuing a degree in political science, Daniella is dedicated to realizing her dream of making a significant impact in Jewish advocacy and law.
Talya Naggar
Talya Naggar, a native of Newton, Massachusetts, completed her education at the Maimonides School in 2023. During her time there, she immersed herself in various extracurricular activities, including four years of serving as a cross attorney for the Mass Bar Mock Trial team and three years of participation on the Model UN team, which she became captain of in her senior year. Talya's commitment to community service was evident as she engaged with Yachad throughout high school, eventually becoming the Yachad Club President. In addition, she was elected president of the Maimonides School Student Council in 2022 and was honored with The Ezra Lightman Memorial Leadership Award for her exceptional leadership skills. Chessed, or acts of kindness, played a central role in Talya's high school experience, as she dedicated her time to volunteering with organizations such as NCSY, the Grew Elementary School, and Chabad. Her unwavering dedication to community service was acknowledged when she received The P鈥檛ach Award, awarded to a student who devotes time to chessed and volunteering. Following her graduation, Talya spent a year at Shaalvim For Women, where she held the position of head of the Malcha Gmach and volunteered for Osim Sameach. Talya plans to pursue a major in political science, with ambitions of attending law school in order to eventually transition to federal-level political office, an ambition she has held since the age of 12.
Cohort 2
Rachel Hirt
Rachel Hirt was raised in Lawrence, NY, and graduated from the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls, where she served as Captain of the Tennis, Debate, and College Bowl Teams, as well as founded and led the school鈥檚 Model UN Team. A passionate writer and editor, she served as Editor-in-Chief of both her school鈥檚 newspaper and literary journal. Through the MAGIC STEM mentorship program, Rachel worked one-on-one with a Google interaction designer to develop a prototype app addressing medical-related experiences. In addition to academics, Rachel also invested significant time during her high school years towards community service. She volunteered with the i-Shine Program, mentoring children coping with illness or loss, and was also a peer-tutor for underclassmen. These efforts earned her the Lawrence Civic Association鈥檚 Good Citizen Award. She is also a certified lifeguard, a devoted pianist, and she spent two summers as a full-time counselor at Camp Morasha. Her interests in politics and history are closely tied to her passion for Israel advocacy. She has lobbied members of Congress through the NORPAC Mission to Washington, participated in AIPAC鈥檚 Student Leadership Summit, and interned both in Congressman Anthony D鈥橢sposito鈥檚 district office and at the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Criminal Term. After high school, Rachel spent a year in Israel studying Talmud, Tanakh, and Jewish thought at Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim. Rachel hopes to attend law school and pursue a career in public policy and advocacy, using her voice and leadership skills to make a lasting impact.
Keira Kahn
Keira Kahn, a proud West Hempstead native and graduate of 紳士漫畫 High School for Girls, distinguished herself as a passionate student leader. She received the Character and Leadership Award, was inducted into the Arista National Honor Society, and served as captain of Model UN, Debate, Mock Trial, and Civic Spirit teams at school. She founded the Anti-Antisemitism Club and was selected as a Fellow in AJC鈥檚 Leaders for Tomorrow program, where she developed her skills in Jewish advocacy and public diplomacy. Her passion for ethics and Jewish thought was further explored through the Maimonides Program and the Jewish Ethics Society at her high school. Beyond the classroom, Keira took her leadership into the broader community. She interned for the Jerusalem Municipality, gaining hands-on experience in Israeli civic life, and worked on Congressional Candidate Laura Gillen鈥檚 winning campaign, where she further explored her interest in American politics and grassroots organizing. She has also served as a youth leader and camp counselor, working to empower and inspire younger students. After a transformative gap year at Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim, Keira brings to her academic career a strong foundation in leadership, Jewish values, and civic responsibility. She plans to pursue a double major in Political Science and Judaic Studies, combining her commitment to public service with her passion for Jewish identity and thought. With aspirations in public policy and Israel advocacy, Keira is dedicated to combating antisemitism, promoting democratic values, and shaping a more just and informed society.
Jared Kinches
Jared Kinches was born and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, where his passion for politics, law, and public service began at an early age. A dedicated and well-rounded student, Jared has successfully balanced academic rigor with leadership and extracurricular involvement, finishing off his first semester at 紳士漫畫 with a 4.0 GPA while actively participating in numerous clubs and organizations. He volunteered for the Friendship Circle of Bergen County for over 6 years and served twice as volunteer president. Jared has spent his summers at Camp Morasha working first as a tennis instructor and then as a Division Head, helping to create a transformative summer experience for the campers. He is involved in public speaking and policy through his participation in Model UN, Mock Trial, and the Pre-Law society, and by serving as the Vice Chair of the 紳士漫畫 chapter of Young America鈥檚 Foundation (YAF). Currently majoring in Finance and minoring in Political Science, Jared aspires to become a lawyer and eventually serve in government. He is inspired by religious Jewish figures across the political spectrum who unapologetically advocate for Israel, Judaism and traditional values. Outside of the classroom, Jared recently interned for the New York State Supreme Court and competes as a member of the Macs Tennis Team.