Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Miriam Levari attended Hillel Academy for 16 years, and graduated in June 2025. Only one day after the reception, she will be flying to Israel to start her schooling there. Miriam is passionate about writing, creative expression, and reaching others through acts of kindness. Her dedicated involvement in the 2024-25 Kenneth Leventhal High School internship has solidified her deep love for Israel and the Jewish people, empowering her to make a tangible impact in her community and beyond.

Harrison Romero is a senior and former StandWithUs Emerson Fellow (2024–25) at the University of Pittsburgh. Originally from Erie, PA, Harrison grew up in a small Jewish community, yet always sought early leadership roles, from serving as the youth representative on his synagogue board to student body president in high school — all while proudly wearing his kippah every day. At Pitt, he quickly found a home in Jewish life and leadership, serving on Chabad’s executive board as VP of Jewish Life and later as VP of Outreach, where he led engagement at Shabbat dinners and minyanim, campus tabling, and educational initiatives for Jewish and non-Jewish students alike. As an Emerson Fellow, Harrison presented at the StandWithUs International Conference and organized numerous impactful events at Pitt, including October 7 and Holocaust Remembrance Day memorials, speaker visits, and advocacy against a citywide BDS initiative. Whether through organizing, educating, or building bridges, Harrison is passionate about proudly living and defending Jewish identity on campus. 

Jim Busis, Toby Tabachnick, David Rullo, Adam Reinherz and Amy Weiss at The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle is an award-winning independent news outlet serving southwestern Pennsylvania’s Jewish community for over 60 years. With roots dating back to 1895, the Chronicle offers local, national, and global Jewish news, opinion, arts coverage, and a comprehensive community calendar. In print and online, it remains a vital source of information and connection. In 2023, it received the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania’s Service to Journalism award and 11 national Rockower awards for excellence.

Rona Kaufman is a teacher, scholar, and pro-Israel advocate. Professor Kaufman is an Associate Professor of Law at Duquesne University where she teaches Constitutional, Employment Discrimination, Family, and Gender law. She is developing an Antisemitism & the Law course. Her scholarship focuses on women, antisemitism, Jewish history, and law.