Campus Representatives are MASA alumni who work at their universities to connect fellow students to long-term opportunities in Israel, mostly focusing on study abroad, career development, and volunteering opportunities. This year, MASA has 50 Campus Representatives across the US and Canada, encouraging students to participate in long-term Israel programs. They collaborate with a wide variety of campus groups to spread the word about MASA’s many program options, as well as by working with individual students, building networks and cosponsoring local events.
Jonathan Abel
University of Colorado, Boulder
My name is Jonathan Abel. I am going into my sophomore year at University of Colorado in Boulder and my major is economics. I went on Year Course in 2006-2007. Originally I'm from Washington State.
Allison Adges
Binghamton University
Hi! I’m Allison Adges and I’m from Long Island, New York. I am a senior at Binghamton University where I am a Judaic Studies major. Before college, I spent a year in Israel on Young Judaea Year Course. I was immersed in Israeli society and especially enjoyed working with children in an elementary school. I also learned that I could live off of pita and hummus for the rest of my life. This will be my second year as the MASA campus rep on my campus and I’m excited to continue to sharing my love of Israel with anyone and everyone who walks by my bright orange MASA table!
Maya Avitan
Washington University in St. Louis
I'm Maya Avitan and I'm a senior at Washington University in St. Louis. I'm majoring in Campus repational Business and am getting a combined degree with an M.A, in Non Profit Management. I'm originally from Beachwood, Ohio, but I like to think that my true home is in Israel :). I spent my Fall 2007 semester at Hebrew University and it was undoubtedly one of the most incredible experiences I've had. My favorite place in Israel is the Tachana Merkazit (central bus station) in Jerusalem -- especially Friday before Shabbat. I like spending time with friends and my family, scrapbooking, working out, cooking, and reading.
Lee'at Bachar
University of Wisconsin, Madison
My name is Lee'at Bachar. I was born and raised in the Dairy state of Wisconsin where I am also going into my senior year at University of Wisconsin at Madison. I am double majoring in Jewish and Hebrew and Semitic Studies with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies. I just finished my junior year abroad at the University of Haifa. I love Israel for so many reasons it's hard to pick one. Israel reminds me of home, I love the tastes, sounds, and way people ignore public signs, but I also enjoyed the people I met there.
Sharon Bilsky
UC Santa Cruz
Hi! My name is Sharon Bilsky, I am from Walnut Creek, California. After being involved in a Jewish youth group in high school, I went on Young Judaea Year Course. I go to UC Santa Cruz and study Psychology, and I have been somewhat involved in Hillel and Jewish life at school. I want to be a MASA Rep because I had such a positive experience on Year Course; I grew as a person, grew as a Jew, gained a deeper connection with and understanding of Israel on the program. I would love to help people find the opportunities to experience that growth and connection if they are seeking it. Especially in Santa Cruz, where there is a lot of opposition to Israel, I would like to help people feel comfortable with finding there connection to Israel by experiencing it, and gaining a stronger desire to stand for Israel when needed. I love Israel because I feel at home there, have family and friends there, love seeing the melting of so many different cultures there, love growing as a Jew there, and I think that it needs more support to keep standing.
Phil Birnbaum
York University
Hi, my name is Phil Birnbaum and I am from Richmond Hill, Ontario (just outside of Toronto) and will be attending York University in Toronto in Fall 08. I spent my freshman year on Nativ, spending one semester at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and one semester living and working on Kibbutz Ein Tzurim. I enjoy how Israel has so much to offer from tanning on the Mediterranean beaches and going to different Northern wineries, to scuba diving in Eilat and getting shwarma in Jerusalem. I am spending 2 months this summer living and volunteering with the Ethiopian community in Bat Yam and Kiryat Moshe, and am constantly looking for new ways to get back to Israel. I can find something to do almost anywhere in Israel and am always looking for different ways to experience Israeli culture. I enjoy fashion, traveling (to Israel and other places), attending Israeli events in Toronto, music, and movies.
Miranda Bogen
UCLA
Hi, my name is Miranda Bogen and I am starting my third year at UCLA, majoring in Middle Eastern and North African studies and political science. After 17 years in the lovely Bay Area of California, I participated in Young Judaea Year Course, which is what sparked my interest in international relations in the first place. At any given moment, I am probably working on or planning for something related to Israel--I keep trying to get involved in other things, but I always seem to get pulled back! Aside from Israel, I enjoy film (I live in LA now, how could I not?), live music, and exploring cities. This is my second year working with MASA and I’m looking forward to continuing to spread the word about all of the amazing programs in Israel.
Mariel Boyarsky
Vassar College
Mariel Boyarsky is currently a student at Vassar College, where she is majoring in Gender Studies and Linguistics. She spent a full year in Israel, from June 2007 until June 2008. There, she studied Hebrew on an ulpan at Kibbutz Yagur, and also spent two semesters at the University of Haifa. During her spring semester, she participated in MASA's BFL (Building Future Leaders) program, where she developed a project targeting environmentalism and sustainability education for Israeli youth. She enjoyed herself tremendously during her year in Israel, and she's really excited to be a MASA representative during the coming year! She is glad to have the opportunity to share her experiences and encourage other students to register for long-term programs in Israel. The work MASA does is so important, and Mariel is thrilled to be a part of it.
Ilya Budik
Miami University of Ohio
I grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and am currently at Miami University of Ohio. At school I am studying biochemistry and finance and love to stay involved on and off campus. I am currently the president of Miami Students for Israel, a volunteer EMT for the Oxford Fire Department, and involved in research in organic chemistry. I have always been passionate about my Judaism and fell in love with Israel on my first trip there with Birthright in my freshman year. Since then, I’ve been back twice: once on Jerusalem Fellowships and once with Hasbara Fellowships. Every time I go to Israel I learn so much about the people, the culture, the history, and myself. I have grown as a person on my every return. This summer I am looking forward to going back to study Hebrew at the University of Haifa Ulpan.
Karen Dicks
UC Santa Barbara
Hi, my name is Karen, and I actually grew up in Israel and moved to the United States when I was thirteen. My hometown here is Thousand Oaks, California, and I currently attend the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). My favorite thing about Israel is the feeling of closeness between everyone, including strangers, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world!
Natan Edelsberg
NYU
I went on Year Course in 2006-2007. I am now a Communications major at NYU. My Savta, and Uncle, and cousins live in Israel so I have been visiting since I was two. I knew I wanted to spend the year in Israel because I wanted to know what it was like to be an Israeli, not a tourist. I love Israel mostly because of its cultural and national achievements that it has accomplished in only 60 years. I love Tel Aviv and the beach, and most of all speaking Hebrew. I wanted to be a MASA intern because I think it is very important that everyone spends at least 5 months living in Israel. I know that it will change everyone's lives positively and that it will create a love for Israel they never knew they had.
Michael Feder
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Michael Feder lives in Springfield, Massachusetts and studies Sociology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Michael spent the 2007-2008 school year at Haifa University where he studied Middle Eastern Politics, with a specific focus on Israel. When asked about his favorite part about Israel, Michael sighs smiling: “Truthfully, I like the diversity of agriculture. Driving the two hours from Haifa to Jerusalem, you pass through such motley of fields and small towns that you can really feel like you’re driving across an entire country.” In addition to Michael’s love for Israel and zeal for politics, Michael also loves playing music and black and white photography.
Elisheva Goldberg
University of Pennsylvania
Elisheva Goldberg is a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Seattle, WA, she spent a year in Israel before enrolling at Penn, and fell inextricably in love with the land. Her favorite thing to do in Israel is speak Hebrew over a cup of coffee. Aside from her interests in Israel, Elisheva enjoys waterskiing, playing basketball, and everything about music. She is very excited to part of the MASA, journey, that is life.
Katie Greenberg
Oberlin College
I am from the Bronx in New York City and have lived in the same apartment my entire life. I am an environmental and Judaica studies double major at Oberlin college. I was on Young Judaea Year Course from 2004-2005 and was at the Arava Institute this fall semester.
Amanda Greene
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
I am from Deerfield, Illinois, which is a northern suburb of Chicago. I am a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am studying Human Development and Family Studies and Jewish Culture and Society. I spent the spring semester of 2008 studying at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and absolutely loved it. One of my favorite experiences in Israel was celebrating Israel’s 60th birthday. The pride and dedication that Israelis have towards this country is indescribable and it was so amazing to be part of this wonderful celebration. During my semester in Israel I had the opportunity to travel all over the country and experience Israel to the fullest. I absolutely love Israel and hope to come back soon!
Emily Hausman
American Jewish University
Hi, I'm Emily Hausman and I am a Nativ graduate. I grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania and graduated in 2005. Now I spend most of my time in Los Angeles attending the American Jewish University. I am currently working on a joint BA/MAED program in Jewish History and Jewish Education. I became a MASA Campus Intern because there is no job better than sending students to Israel. My love for Israel is based in the country's history and its ability to provide a home for Jews world wide.
Lissy Isaacson
Tulane University
My name is Lissy Isaacson. I'm from Savannah, Georgia and am a rising sophomore at Tulane University in New Orleans. After high school I took a Gap Year and went to Israel for 9 months on Young Judaea's Year Course. I love everything about Israel-the food, the art festivals in Tel Aviv, drinking choco in a bag, the shuks, the beaches, the style, the olive trees, and friendly people!!
Jared Klein
Ohio State University
Hello! My name is Jared Klein. I am from Solon, Ohio, which is about 20 minutes south of Cleveland. I am about to embark upon my senior year at The Ohio State University. I am pursuing a major in psychology and a minor in Life Sciences (Pre-Medical). I hope to go to medical school after I graduate. I am an active member at OSU Hillel, assist in research at the emergency department at The Ohio State University Medical Center, and recruit prospective students through the University Host program. Last winter, I traveled to Israel with OSU Hillel through the Taglit Birthright Program. That trip was by far one of the best experiences of my entire life. My highlight was becoming friends with the Israeli soldiers who joined our group. It was amazing to see the similarities and differences between us. I am very excited to be promoting Israel programming through MASA at OSU!
Gita Karasov
University of Maryland
I am from Saint Louis Park Minnesota and am now going to be a sophomore at the University of Maryland. I took a year off before college to go on Nativ so I spent that year in Israel. I lived in Jerusalem and Yeruham and loved it and am very excited to be a MASA representative and talk to other people about how important Israel is.
Miriam Kopelow
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Hi everybody! My name is Miriam and I’m a senior studying Elementary Education and a couple other things. I am pumped to be one of the MASA campus reps in Madison this year because I want everyone to have an experience like my semester studying in Jerusalem last fall. You can’t beat those nights on the Tel Aviv boardwalk and the markets in Israel are out of this world. Can’t wait to chat about Israel and anything else you fancy. Looking forward to meeting you!
Michelle Kuppersmith
Brown University
I'm a senior American history major at Brown and I grew up in Westfield, New Jersey. I just spent my spring semester of junior year studying at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Beer Sheva and I continued my stay in Israel by interning at The Israel Project in Jerusalem. I fell in love with Israel when I went on Taglit-Birthright Israel in January 2007 with Brown Hillel and returned the following summer to enroll in ulpan in Tel Aviv. My affair with Israel continues on as I assume the role of MASA campus rep at Brown. After looking on my own for programs in Israel, I found later that MASA has already done the legwork by compiling many programs available for young people from abroad. I wanted to work with my shaliach to help promote these programs on campus and find students who want to be in Israel.
Kimberly Lear
University of Kansas
I am from Minneapolis, MN and am currently an entering senior in the journalism school at the University of Kansas. I spent this summer in Washington, DC interning at Student Movement for Real Change where I worked on media and web design. I recently studied abroad at Tel Aviv University and traveled Europe for two months.
I want to be a MASA campus representative because I want to provide other students with the opportunity to study abroad in Israel and raise awareness about the options. KU doesn't accept credits from Israel so it was a huge process for me. I want to help other students with this process and make it as accessible as possible. I love Israel SO MUCH because it is the best place in the world. I went for three months in high school and recently returned home from my 5 month study abroad experience. It was the most amazing experience and I miss Israel everyday. I have studied Middle Eastern history through extra-curricular classes since I was 15, and became involved in speaking sessions to educate others on Middle Eastern history. Israel is so important for the Jewish identity and safety worldwide.
Logan Lemberger
University of Washington, Seattle
Hello, my name is Logan Lemberger. I was born and raised on the beach in Santa Monica, California. I spent the past year studying at the Tel Aviv University Lowy School for Overseas Students. I am now entering my senior year at the University of Washington-Seattle where I am double majoring in Economics and Jewish Studies. I love playing and following sports, going to concerts, unintentional comedy, and listening to Israeli lifeguards yell at people.
Rachel Lissner
University of Toronto
Shalom! My name is Rachel Lissner and I am the MASA intern at the University of Toronto and hail from Washington, DC. After going on the Alexander Muss High School Program in Israel in 12th grade, I decided that it was time to really do something worthwhile of my time instead of just do the usual route of university and chose to go on Nativ, the Conservative Movement's gap year program. Not only did I make an amazing life decision, I worked on ambulances, went to film festivals, and even got my scuba license. And met my best friends. At the University of Toronto, I am majoring in Jewish studies and most likely am minoring in political science, Middle Eastern studies, and Spanish. I chose to be involved with MASA because of my head-over-heels love of Israel; getting the opportunity to go to Aroma (yes, we have the biggest Israeli coffee chain in Toronto!) and talking to people about all the incredible experiences ahead of them gives me a rush. I love Israel, Aroma, and meeting new people. An ideal job.
These days, I am Israel Affairs VP at our Hillel and volunteer around the world, most recently in Uganda, Israel, and New York City. Lately I've been involved with the Toronto International Film Festival, Matador Records, and working as an extra in various projects, including movies with Mike Meyers, Paris Hilton, and a music video for a Japanese rap artist. I travel a lot but you can normally find me in Israel. (Specifically HaYarkon 48!)
Chelsea Lund
American University
I was born and raised in Orange County, California (and no, I’ve never seen the show). I am currently a senior at American University in Washington, DC, but I spent my first year of school in Israel on Nativ. With Nativ I spent the first half of the year in Jerusalem, studying at Hebrew University, and volunteering in the city. For the second part of the year I worked on Sa’ad Kibbutz in the Negev. I’ve been very active in the Israel club on campus, AUSFI (AU Students for Israel) as well as Israel programs for the DC region as a whole, such as the Atid fellowship, Me’or, and through Hillel. Living in DC, the number one thing on most students’ minds is networking, therefore, we have created our semi-annual Israel Fest, where AUSFI brings professionals from Israeli related jobs from all over the city to campus for students to talk to and get information from. We have also had free falafel and Israeli music playing on the quad which entices other students as well to come and learn about Israel. Besides it being the Jewish homeland which connects me to it spiritually, it is a land of opportunity and adventure. Especially for such a small country, there is something there for everyone, every Jew, and every professional. I’ve been able to experience the life of a religious farmer working the land in the desert, to the laid back secular businessman in Tel Aviv, to the politician of any faith in Jerusalem.
Leah Mauer
University of Western Ontario
Hi! My name is Leah Mauer, and I’m from Hamilton, Ontario. In September, I will be entering my fourth year as a double major in History and English at the University of Western Ontario. A few days ago, I returned from the Hasbara Fellowships program in Israel, which strengthened my love for Israeli history and its strong Jewish community. Outside of advocating for Israel, I am involved in many campus activities including Western Foot Patrol and Campus Tour Guiding. I’m very excited to meet everyone and begin my work as a MASA Campus Campus rep!
David Micley
Emory University
My name is David Micley, my major is undeclared but potentially- sociology and economics, I did Young Judea Year Course, and I want to share my experiences of Israel- I’ve lived there for over 10% of my life! I love Israel because of the intensity of the people- they are passionate about everything they do and the mangos are delicious.
Yonatan Morag
UC Davis
Yonatan Morag was born in the south of France, and grew up much of his life in Israel. He came to the United States in fourth grade and has lived here ever since. Upon Graduating high school, Yonatan took a year off before college with the Israeli program Nahshon. It is a wonderful year of volunteering, trips, Jewish Learning and self discovery that focuses on Social Leadership. He would tell that this year in Nahshon, has changed his life, establishing in him a strong Jewish Identity. When Yonatan returned, he felt that he wanted young Jews to receive the same gift that he did in Israel. Thus he decided to become a representative for MASA, which had originally granted him the ability to participate in Nahshon. Yonatan is currently a sophomore at UC Davis. He hopes to graduate with a major in Astrophysics and minor in Psychology, and then to join the Israeli Army.
Maya Rozov
UC Irvine
My name is Maya Rozov, I’m from a small 3-mile radius town called Oak Park, and I attend the University of California, Irvine. If I had to choose one thing I love about Israel it would be the Kotel…or the food.
Ariel Scheer
George Washington University
A native of Morristown New Jersey, Ariel Scheer is a Judaic Studies major at the George Washington University in Washington DC. Following high school, she spent the best nine months of her life in Israel on Young Judaea Year Course where she did 3 months of basic training in the IDF, taught English in an Israeli elementary school, and studied at the American Jewish University. Her favorite part of Israel is the land and the people. Nothing like Israeli hospitality! She enjoys performing and creative arts but more than anything, she loves Jewish learning and Israel advocacy!
Lili Serfaty
University of Texas, Austin
Hi everyone, my name is Lili Serfaty. I was born in San Antonio, TX, but I have lived in Edgemont, New York most of my life. I am going into my second year as an English major at The University of Texas at Austin. Before enrolling at UT, I attended Young Judaea Year Course and had the most incredible year of my life. At UT I am a member of The University of Texas Fencing Club as well as the sorority Alpha Epsilon Phi. I love traveling, reading, fencing, and talking to people about Israel!
Ilana Shalowitz
University of Rochester
David Sharon
NYU
At the age of 12, I moved from Los Angeles to Tel-Aviv. For me, Israel is family and friends. It has always been the only place I feel at home. After serving as a Combat Medic and Medic Instructor in the I.D.F, I came to New York University's Stern School of Business. Besides Israel, I enjoy backpacking and hiking. So far, I have backpacked through South America and South East Asia.
Jenna Silverman
University of Maryland
My name is Jenna Silverman and I am a Junior at the University of Maryland in College Park. Originally, I am from Newton, MA and I am a die hard Boston sports fan. After high school I went on the Nativ College Leadership Program where I studied at Hebrew University for a semester and volunteered in Be’er Sheva for a semester. Traveling to school everyday I loved the important life lessons and advice the taxi drivers would give each morning. This is my second year being a MASA campus rep, and I excited to meet more people on campus and further promote the wonderful opportunities MASA has to offer.
Yael Smiley
McGill University
Hi, my name is Yael Smiley and I'm excited to spend the year as the MASA rep at McGill University. I am entering my third year of studies towards a bachelor of sciences, and I've gotten to know and love the Jewish student groups. After I graduated from the Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto, I spent the year on the Nativ College Leadership program - studying at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem and working at the Amirim-Tali School in Be'er Sheva. My experience was such a positive one that I now tremendously enjoy sending other students to enjoy their own years in Israel. L'shana haba'ah byerushalayim!
Hannah Weinerman
Cornell University
Hi, my name is Hannah Weinerman and I’m from Lawrence, NY. This fall I’ll be entering my sophomore year at Cornell University where I’m studying Industrial and Labor Relations. After high school, I spent an unbelievable year in Israel in Midreshet Lindenbaum, a seminary in Talpiot, Jerusalem. I miss everything about living in Israel – from the music to the shuk – and am really excited to get people to spend time there. I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you!
