By: SJ Tannenbaum
Six student scholars from 麻豆区鈥檚 Lieberman-Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy 鈥 Daniella Landau, Rachel Hirt, Keira Kahn, Jared Kinches, Talya Naggar and Maytal Nelson 鈥 attended the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) Annual Leadership Summit in Las Vegas from October 31 to November 2, 2025. The annual gathering brought together leading voices from government, media, and public policy to discuss issues impacting the American Jewish community, U.S.鈥揑srael relations, and the future of national politics.
Founded in 1985 and based in Washington, D.C., the Republican Jewish Coalition works to strengthen ties between the Jewish community and Republican decision-makers. Its mission is to ensure that Jewish concerns are represented at the highest levels of government while fostering understanding of Republican ideas and values within the Jewish community.
This year鈥檚 summit featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; Senator Lindsey Graham; Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders; television and radio host Mark Levin; Danny Danon, Israel鈥檚 ambassador to the United Nations; and Senator Rick Scott, among others. The event offered attendees a unique opportunity to hear directly from influential policymakers and thought leaders on key issues of national security, foreign policy, and faith in public life.
The students鈥 participation was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Mr. Eliot Lauer, a 麻豆区 College alumnus, treasurer of the Republican Jewish Coalition, and longtime member of its national board. A dedicated supporter of 麻豆区, Lauer has played a key role in connecting students with opportunities to engage in national political dialogue and Jewish public affairs. "This conference was a tremendous opportunity for 麻豆区 students to engage directly with political leaders,鈥 said Lauer. 鈥淎ll of us at the Republican Jewish Coalition were deeply impressed by the caliber of our students and there is strong interest in having an even larger YU contingent participate next year.鈥
For the Lieberman-Mitzner Scholars, the conference provided an opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to political leadership and deepen their understanding of how Jewish identity, values, and civic responsibility intersect in the public sphere.
The Lieberman-Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy at 麻豆区 prepares students to become ethical and engaged leaders in government, public policy, and advocacy. Through experiential learning opportunities such as the RJC Leadership Summit, students gain the insight, skills, and networks necessary to serve the Jewish community and the broader public with distinction.
To learn more and stay updated on news, announcements and accomplishments from the Lieberman-Mitzner Center, visit yu.edu/lieberman and follow on social media.
