Meet Our Emerson Fellowship Class of 2026
Sofia Hakimian
King’s College London
I am a second-year Economics and Management student at King’s College London where I am Jsoc President. I spent my gap year in Israel on a mechina, which truly changed my life and shaped my connection to both Judaism and Israel. I’m so excited to be part of this community, to learn with and from all of my fellow Emersons, and stand up for what matters.
Yahel Halevi
Glasgow School of Art
Yahel Halevi, originally from Tel Aviv, is a BA student at the Glasgow School of Art. After completing the Hevruta gap year program in Jerusalem and participating in a queer leadership program by Iggy, the Israeli queer youth movement, he worked as a counselor at Ramah Nyack. He then served in the IDF as an intelligence researcher and course commander. Following his service, Yahel worked as a ceramics teacher and took part in a peacebuilding leadership program by the Peace Now movement. He recently graduated from the UJS Leadership Fellowship and is the co-president of the Glasgow JSoc. He currently works as a program facilitator for the Bronfman Fellowship in the US. His artistic practice explores themes of displacement, identity, home, and intimacy. In his free time, Yahel enjoys exploring the Scottish mountains, teaching dance improv classes, cooking, singing in the school choir, and practicing yoga.
Daniela Maruani
UCL
I’m passionate about standing up for Israel and sharing the truth about its history and culture. I’m originally from Paris and I study Art and Science. I love connecting with people and promote understanding between different communities. Outside of activism, I enjoy playing squash, music or traveling. I’m excited to be involved with StandWithUs and to keep learning and making a difference!
Max Lanzkron
University of Leeds
I am starting my second year at the University of Leeds, studying International history and Politics. After spending a year at Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi, my love for Israel grew, my Zionism was fully entrenched and I understood the importance of standing up to antisemitism, especially on campus which led me to become Leeds JSOC president for 2025. I wanted to become an Emerson Fellow because with the recent rise of Israel hate, I believe it’s our responsibility to stand up for truth and justice. I look forward to making an impact with the rest of the Emerson cohort!
James Rogers
University of Bristol
Hi – I’m James from Maida Vale, London. I was Bar-Mitzvah’d at the LJS in St John’s Wood, went to school at St Paul’s, before going to Bristol to study history. I support the statistically worst football team in the country – QPR – by losses in the past 5 years. I am interested in British, American and Middle Eastern politics, and I am considering going into politics as a possible career path. I’ve been to Israel 3 times, once on Birthright, and my favourite restaurant in TLV is Port Sa’id.
Mark Ben Mikhelson
UCL
I interned in the Israeli parliament from 2022 to 2023. After that, I worked on the Israeli local elections between 2023 and 2024. This year, I collaborated with the Zionist organisation World Beytenu on a hasbara programme for students, which was released in April 2025. The programme included five lectures featuring various Israeli diplomats, such as Shai Bazak, public speaker Eric Abelev, and Knesset member Oded Forer. It was created and monitored by me and two other hasbara volunteers. Recently, I became the vice president of the Israeli Society at UCL, where I aim to continue working on Israeli hasbara. I will dedicate all my efforts to creating many more impactful hasbara projects and activities in the coming year.
Inbar Nehemia
University of Westminster
I am originally from Israel and currently a psychology and counselling student at Westminster University. Passionate about sharing my heritage, one of my goals as an Emerson Fellow is to introduce others to the richness and beauty of Israeli and Jewish culture. I believe that through cultural engagement, we can inspire pride within the Jewish community and foster greater understanding among others. My past experiences, working as a kindergarten teacher in Israel and as an au pair in New York, have strengthened my dedication to education, empathy, and meaningful connection. I am deeply committed to combating antisemitism through dialogue, education, and cultural celebration. Being part of this fellowship is a thrilling opportunity for me to grow, learn, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for creating change. I am excited to contribute to this community and to help build a stronger, prouder, and more connected Jewish future.
Leah Welch
University of Nottingham
I’ll be starting my second year, studying Politics & International Relations at the University of Nottingham. I am really looking forward to being an Emerson fellow this year, and I’m hoping to increase Israel engagement on campus, as well as enhancing perspectives on Israel and encouraging nuanced dialogue. As a committee member of the Israel society, I am aiming to broaden its outreach, using the knowledge and skills that I will learn from the Fellowship. I enjoy expanding my knowledge on history, Israeli-centred current affairs and politics, as well as learning in general, and hiking, country walks and literature.
Ezra Aaron
University of Birmingham
I’m a proud Zionist, a student at the University of Birmingham and a footballer at a professional club. Over the past few years, I’ve embraced opportunities to visit Israel. I volunteered with Magen David Adom, worked on IDF bases, cooked meals for soldiers and supported disadvantaged children in Eilat. I’ve also spent several weeks training with professional football clubs in Israel and spent time in religious environments in Jerusalem, Tzfat and on Dati Kibbutzim. These diverse experiences have deepened my understanding of complexities within Israeli society, equipping me with greater insight to advocate meaningfully and authentically for Israel. I look forward to the Fellowship, viewing it as a chance to combat misinformation, strengthen Zionist student voices and encourage thoughtful discussions on campus. I hope we can empower those already within our community to speak up for Israel with confidence, whilst also engaging with those who are less connected to the topic.
Sienna-Faye Philip
Royal Holloway, University of London
I study Film, Television and digital production at Royal Holloway University of London. I’m the president of the Royal Holloway JSOC for the upcoming year. As a JSOC committee member last year I attended countless meetings with the University fighting for Jewish voices to be heard. I also ran Hebrew lessons and other learning opportunities, along with organising vigils for hostages.
Reuben Messik
University of Manchester
I am currently in my final year at Manchester studying Politics and International Relations. When I was younger, I visited Israel on tour and was stunned by its beauty, history and culture, developing great respect for the country and its people. More recently I have found myself politically and emotionally mobilised after the tragic events of October 7th. I have no doubt that the subsequent ignition of antisemitism has been strategically coordinated and globally funded. I believe it is therefore my duty, as a young Jewish man, to stand up for what I believe is right and to the best of my ability to enlighten the world on the true wonderful nature of Israel, and to make Tikkun Olam.
Uriah Shloim
University of Birmingham
I’m currently a second-year student at the University of Birmingham studying Politics and International Relations. I was born in Israel and moved to the UK when I was 6. I am President of the Israel society at my university, and it lies at the heart of my priorities.
Cara Fitzpatrick
Queen’s University Belfast
I am from County Down in Northern Ireland, studying Business Management at Queen’s University Belfast. My upbringing in a post Good Friday Agreement society has instilled in me the importance of promoting dialogue and respect among communities, especially when there is historic and deeply entrenched conflict. I am greatly inspired by peacebuilders, from the grassroots to the White House, who committed themselves to the vision of a better future for Ireland, despite often facing personal danger and political damage. Since October 7th antisemitism has risen exponentially in Ireland placing the small Jewish community in an increasingly difficult and isolated position. This has led me to reflect on the experience of my grandfather, a Jewish businessman in Troubles era Belfast, who was consistently targeted by terrorists, along with his Jewish friends. This has inspired my commitment to combatting extremism and contributing to a better understanding of Israel and the danger of antisemitism.
Evaldas Barstys
Royal Holloway London
I’m Evaldas, a student activist passionate about supporting Israel and strengthening Jewish life on campus. At Royal Holloway, I’m leading the effort to establish an Israel Society, where I’m set to serve as founding president. I’m also actively involved in the Jewish Society, currently serving my second year as secretary. I have a strong interest in journalism, I’ve written for The Jewish Chronicle and am currently developing a new Jewish publication with friends. I also use Instagram to share content and raise awareness about Israel-related issues.
Joshua Sinelnikoff
Queen Mary, University of London
I’m a French and Canadian student currently entering my second year studying Law at Queen Mary University of London. As a motivated member of the Jewish community, I’m passionate about advocacy and political engagement, with the goal of taking on active roles in campus life over the coming years.
Bracha Jacobs
University of Birmingham
My name is Bracha Jacobs. I study English Literature and Drama at the University of Birmingham. I dream of making Aliya and am committed to championing Israel in all I do. Coming from a small Jewish community, I have seen first-hand the importance of community engagement. I am a proud and passionate Zionist, dedicated to challenging anti-Israel prejudices across our university campuses and beyond. I am looking forward to developing my leadership skills and combining my love for writing with Israel activism.
Miles Bloom
University of York
I’m Miles Bloom, a student of Mathematics and Philosophy with a deep interest in how we think, reason, and make sense of the world. I’m also passionate about art, music, and MMA, I like to keep one foot in the abstract and the other firmly grounded. As an Emerson Fellow with StandWithUs, I’m looking forward to engaging with complex ideas and meaningful conversations.
Avital Cohen
London School of Economics
Avital is a passionate student leader at the London School of Economics, active in Jewish communal life and Israel advocacy. As president of her university’s Jewish Society, she has worked to expand events, increase student engagement, and build connections across campuses. Avital is deeply committed to strengthening Jewish identity and fostering a positive, inclusive conversation about Israel on campus. Her approach to advocacy is rooted in dialogue, empowerment, and creating spaces where students feel confident and proud to express their connection to Israel. With experience in interfaith initiatives and cross-communal organising, Avital believes in the power of relationship-building and education to counter misinformation and inspire others. As an Emerson Fellow, she is excited to gain new tools and knowledge to support Jewish students and lead meaningful Israel programming in the UK and beyond.
Amy Maurer
University of Leeds
I’m a 21-year-old student entering my second year at the University of Leeds, studying Biological Sciences with Biotechnology and Enterprise. I attended Hasmonean High School and spent a gap year in seminary in the Old City of Jerusalem followed by a year working for a biomedical devices startup company before starting my degree. My interests include, biology, running, dance religious engagement and youth movement leadership.
Anthony Bowe
Dublin City University
I am an Irish student from a working class neighbourhood, however I love to travel and to see the world. I have backpacked around Eastern Europe and North Africa; I love learning languages and am very proud to be able to converse in 4 other languages. I am currently studying International Relations where I hope to become an ambassador.
Nikita Vorobyoff
City St. George’s University of London
I’m an Economics with Accounting student at City, University of London, passionate about finance, leadership, and Jewish community life. I currently serve as President of the City Jewish Society, where I work to strengthen Jewish student life, build connections across campus, and foster engagement with our heritage. Alongside this, I lead the City Economics Society and previously the City Venture Capital Society, balancing professional ambition with a commitment to community.
