The Israeli Policy Fellowship
ABOUT
The purpose of the Israeli Policy Fellowship is to establish exceptional Israeli student leadership at top American public policy campuses. The Fellowship offers a tuition subsidy as well as training and support from Israeli public policy alumni.
During their time on campus, fellows are expected to take leadership, including by leading Israel-related activities with the goal of sharing with their classmates an authentic, balanced, nuanced, and informed view of Israel. Fellows are responsible for taking part in existing Israel-related activities on campus and generating new opportunities for Israel engagement.
The Fellowship is funded through a funding partnership consisting of individual donors and foundations, and administered by BrainGain: Israel, a 501(c)(3) led by alumni from Harvard, Georgetown, Princeton and Columbia Universities.
How to Apply
The fellowship is currently open for Israelis pursuing a Masters degree at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, SIPA Columbia, Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy and Walsh School of Foreign Service, SAIS Johns Hopkins, SPIA Princeton and Jackson Yale.
The Fellowship is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:
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Hold Israeli citizenship and intend to return to Israel in the future
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Have submitted a successful application to one of the above mentioned schools and in a full time program (only candidates who are admitted to the respective schools' programs can be considered for the Fellowship. However if you've been accepted to a different public policy program, please email us to inquire about eligibility)
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Demonstrate a proven record of public service commitment, leadership skills and strong prospects of career advancement in the public sphere
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The fellowship is open to students of all programs but a strong preference is given to students of two year programs
Before applying please make sure you meet the fellowship eligibility criteria. If you have any questions about this please email us.
Planning to apply to the 2026-2027 academic year?
Sign up to get notified when the application opens
Application for candidates beginning school in the fall of 2025 will open in the spring of 2025. To get updates on when the application is open follow our social media and visit this page closer to the spring of 2025!
First round interviews by the Alumni Advisory Board and final round interviews by the Funding Board will be held during the first half of April.
All interviews will be conducted in English via video conference.
As part of the online application process, applicants will need to submit their:
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Application materials (CV, recommendation letters in English, essay responses).
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School admission letter.
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Short essay for the IPF Fellowship.
Planning to apply to the 2026-2027 academic year?
Sign up to get notified when the application opens
Our Fellows
Cohort of 2025
Naama Gorodischer
Harvard MC/MPA Class of 2026 Naama is a humanitarian aid professional with over 19 years of experience in community development and emergency response. She has led missions in 21 countries and serves as Chief Humanitarian and Resilience Programming Officer at IsraAID overseeing 400 staff members. Since 10/7 she has spearheaded IsraAID's humanitarian response in Israel and in Gaza. She holds honors degrees in Community Development (MA), Education, Sociology, and Anthropology (BA).
Fahima Atwana
Columbia MPA-GL Class of 2026 Fahima grew up in Hura, and now lives in Beer Sheva. She has dedicated her career to advancing economic and social mobility for Israel’s Bedouin community, focusing on women’s empowerment through high-tech. She is currently the VP of Community Outreach at Synergy7, where she builds strategic partnerships to drive technological innovation in the Negev, creating sustainable pathways for economic growth and social equity. Prior to that she was the first Bedouin woman to lead a high-tech organization as CEO of Siraj, and succeeded in expanding Bedouin representation in tech. Before that, she led impact programs at Ajeec, pioneering the first Emergency Medical Technician training for Bedouin women. She has a BA in Industrial Management and an MA in Public Health.
Ron Kalef
Harvard MC/MPA Class of 2026 Ron is a lawyer at Herzog, Israel’s premier law firm, with expertise in international law and trade sanctions, advising financial institutions, multinational corporations, and government bodies. He took an active role in establishing Radical, an NGO introducing young Israelis to initiatives for strengthening democracy and led editorial projects for NGOs promoting minorities. He served in the Israeli Army Radio (Galey Tzahal) as a culture and foreign affairs correspondent and later as the chief editor of Israel’s highest-rated news show, leading broadcasts during elections and times of conflict. He holds degrees in Law and Middle Eastern History, both from Tel Aviv University.
Sagie Sharon
John’s Hopkins SAIS MAIR Class of 2027 Over the past eight years, Sagie has served within Israel’s security apparatus, where he’s worked closely with senior decision-makers, providing strategic policy consulting and intelligence. His expertise spans strategic policy, intelligence analysis, and management. He’s had the privilege of assisting four Ministers of Defense in making critical, intelligence-based decisions during pivotal moments in Israel’s security landscape, including the Abraham Accords, several military operations, and key developments over the past year and a half since October 7. Since 10/7 he has been serving in reserve duty.
Dana Ginzburg
Columbia MPA-GL Class of 2026 Dana has been part of Deloitte’s public sector consulting team since 2020, advising public organizations on addressing socio-economic challenges. Before joining Deloitte, she earned a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Hebrew University, while working in different public service roles: at the Ministry of Transportation, at Future Mobility IL, and as manager of a national organization combating elderly loneliness. Dana began her career with five years in the Israeli Air Force Intelligence and continues to serve in reserves. Alongside her work, she led the Tel Aviv Global Shapers group and is an active member of the Israeli Labor Party.
Noa Kohai
Columbia MIA Class of 2027 Noa is a legal and diplomacy professional specializing in international law and national security. She earned her LL.B from Bar-Ilan University and attended the Hague Academy of International Law on a scholarship from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has worked at Israel’s National Security Council and the Israeli Mission to the UN. After her studies, Dana plans to return to Israel and contribute to its national security and diplomacy through policy leadership and international engagement. .
Avia Liberman
Yale Jackson MPP Class of 2027 As an Israeli economist, Avia's mission is to advance a two-state solution, focusing on economic policy as a pragmatic tool for fostering cooperation. He has worked at the OECD, the Israeli Treasury, and as a researcher for professors and policy institutions. Avia was also captain of an elite intelligence unit in the IDF, the founder of "Itutim," Israel’s first PPE journal, and a team leader in the "Social Economists" Fellowship. He graduated with distinction from the Hebrew University's PPE Honors Program.
Gilad Even Sapir
Georgetown McCourt MPM Class of 2026 Gilad grew up in Israel in a family of public servants. He served in a prestigious intelligence unit in the IAF and then studied Law and Accounting at Tel Aviv University and worked in internships in the private sector. Since August 2023, until beginning school at Georgetown, he served as the assistant to the Deputy Ambassador of the Israeli Embassy in D.C.
Eliav Breuer
Harvard MPP class of 2027 Eliav lives in Jerusalem and for the past 3 years has been the chief political and parliamentary correspondent at the Jerusalem Post. In 2020, he graduated magna cum laude from Shalem College in Jerusalem, where he majored in philosophy. He previously served as a combat soldier and officer in the IDF.
Gil Bar-Or
Columbia MPA Class of 2027 Gil graduated from UCLA with a Computer Science degree and went on to work as a software engineer and engineering manager at a marketing analytics company for over 7 years. In parallel he has served in various capacities in organizations advocating for a diplomatic agreement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Cohort of 2024
Michal Aharon
Columbia MPA-GL Class of 2025 Michal is a journalist at Haaretz, Israel's leading liberal newspaper. In her previous role, she served as a senior editor, managing the news department's correspondents through some of Israel’s most tumultuous years, including October 7th and the war with Gaza, the wave of protests against the government's proposed judicial overhaul and a number of elections. In this role, she focused on investigative journalism and civil society coverage. Michal holds a Bachelor's degree with honors in Philosophy, Political Science and Economics (PPE) from Tel Aviv University.
Yam Atir
Harvard MC/MPA Class of 2025 Yam Atir, a professional with over a decade in government relations and international affairs, is currently pursuing an MPA-MC degree. Living in Tel Aviv, born and raised in Kibbutz Afikim, Israel. Atir is the co-founder and VP Strategy and Policy at the Start-Up Nation Policy and Research Institute, an innovation-policy think-tank. Yam is the only Israeli to have served on the OECD's young advisory board where she provided valuable insights and input on the challenges facing the next generation. Additionally, she previously served on the prime minister’s foreign relations team at the Prime Minister's Office and on the executive team of Shimon Peres, the ninth president of Israel. In 2021, Forbes magazine honored her with its 30 under 30 list. Yam holds a dual B.A. in political science and communication from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (honors student) and Sciences Po Paris.
Ran Goldstein
Georgetown MPM Class of 2025 Ran Goldstein is an Israeli social activist. For the past two years, he has been the founder and director of the Civil Society Protection Hub, which aims to support freedom of speech, association, and protest for activists and organizations. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) for eight years. Mr. Goldstein brings extensive experience in humanitarian affairs, economic management, and communications. He was formerly the Head of Communications for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation to Israel and the Occupied Territories and has served as a Senior Strategy and Communications Consultant to various Israeli civil society organizations such as Yesh Din, Bimkom, PHRI, and many others. Mr. Goldstein has led numerous campaigns on human rights issues in Israel, focusing on the most vulnerable populations of Israelis and Palestinians. Before his role in civil society organizations, he worked as a journalist for several leading Israeli media outlets. He is also the founder and former board member of the Israeli NGO Akevot – Institute for Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Research. Currently, he serves as a board member at the NALA Foundation. Mr. Goldstein holds a master’s degree in political communication. He is 48 years old, married, and a father of two boys. He lives in Herzliya, Israel.
Tamar Hacohen
Georgetown MPM Class of 2025 Originally from Jerusalem, Tamar served in the Air Force Intelligence, where she continues to serve as a reservist. While studying law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tamar worked as a research assistant and was an editorial board member of the Israel Law Review. Additionally, Tamar represented Israel at the ICC Moot Competition in the Hague. Following graduation, Tamar interned at Agmon with Tulchinsky Law Firm. She is currently a researcher at the Brandeis Policy Institute, examining the effects of social media on democracies. In her spare time, Tamar enjoys hiking and swimming.
Ohad Hollander
Columbia MPA-GL Class of 2025 Ohad is an Associate at aMoon. Ohad's duties include conducting diligence on new investment opportunities, and supporting the Fund’s portfolio companies. Prior to joining aMoon, Ohad spent one year volunteering with at risk youth as part of his gap year before serving in the Israeli military. He then spent six and a half years with the Israeli military as a Team Commander (Captain) in the Israeli Navy Seals, Shayetet 13. Intrigued by healthcare and its strong potential, Ohad was drawn to working aMoon and the HealthTech industry. Ohad completed his degree in the excellence program – China's Future Leaders Undergraduate Double-Degree in Business administration at Peking University and Tel Aviv University. This global program focuses on admitting top students with outstanding leadership potential from each partner institution.
Cohort of 2023
Orit Avichezer Warnick
Georgetown MPP Class of 2025 Former IDF Education Corps officer, Orit graduated with honors in Social Work from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. With a experience in both the private and non-profit worlds, she has worked in organizations like the Association of Rape Crisis Center in Israel and Gesher, and served as an HR professional in tech. Orit is currently deepening her commitment to gender policy through a certificate program in Women, Peace, and Security at Georgetown University.
Polina Kempinsky
Harvard MPP Class of 2025 With a career spanning strategic health planning at the Israeli Ministry of Health to consulting at BCG, Polina's experience is diverse. She also represented Israel as a Youth Delegate to the UN, showcasing her commitment to global dialogue and strategic insight.
Nitsan Machlis
Harvard MPP Class of 2025 A Jerusalem educator and activist, Nitsan has crafted coexistence programs for NGOs, advised the Ministry of Jerusalem on education in East Jerusalem, and interned for MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv. Recently, she's focused on education economics research at the Maurice Falk Institute for Economic Research. Holds a BA in Philosophy, Political Science and Economics from the Hebrew University.
Lior Sirkis
Harvard MPP Class of 2025 A specialist in urban policy and development, Lior brings expertise from advising the Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo and a robust background in research and educational management. Her academic foundation includes a BA in Government from Reichman University, enriched by participation in the honors program in strategy and decision-making, and the Argov Fellowship in Leadership and Diplomacy.
Cohort of 2022
Noam Alon
Harvard MPP Class of 2024 Former IDF Operations Officer and tech startup founder in Chile, Noam transitioned to Director of Research Operations at Pagaya Investments. Volunteers with Tech2Peace, fostering Israeli-Palestinian tech unity. Graduated summa cum laude in Political Science and Business Administration from Columbia University.
Merav Livne
Georgetown MPP Class of 2024 Israeli lawyer experienced in public service, initially interning at the Attorney General's office before spending nearly 5 years in the legal department of Israel's Ministry of Finance, managing macro & national budget, transportation, and PPP contracts. Enjoys basketball and classical music in her free time.
Shannie Lotan
Harvard MPA/ID Class of 2024 With a background as an Intelligence Officer in IDF's 8200 unit for 5 years, Shannie then consulted for McKinsey in Public Health and Infrastructure, serving public and social sectors. Graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University in Economics and Political Science, with a year in Tel Aviv University's PPEL Honors program. Born in Boston, raised in Israel, and lived in Belgium.
Linor Zeilig
Harvard MPP Class of 2024 Former News Editor-in-chief at GLZ national radio during her military service, Linor advanced to roles at Boston Consulting Group and Israel Impact Partners, focusing on Public Sector and Social Impact. Contributed to regulation policies in the Policy Planning department of the Prime Minister’s Office. Holds a joint BA in PPE and the Amirim Honors Program from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Liel Zino
Georgetown MPP Class of 2024 Born and raised in Eilat, Liel served as a combat spokesperson in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit and continues as a reservist. She graduated with a BA in government, diplomacy, and strategy from Reichman University, where she led the IDConnect Program and was active in Israeli advocacy clubs. As a department director in the Israeli Ministry for Digital Affairs, she cultivated a passion for technology and innovation. Liel aspires to leverage technology in Israeli public service to enhance equal opportunities for all. Liel is a Fischman Scholar.
Cohort of 2021
Yael Abadi
Harvard MPP Class of 2023 Yael worked at the Israeli Ministry of Treasury's budget department, focusing on public transportation. Collaborated with Prof. Dan Ariely in Behavioral Economics, consulting for the Treasury. Former correspondent and news anchor for 9 years on Israel's top TV and radio. Holds a Master's in Research Economics and a Bachelor's in Economics and Psychology from Tel Aviv University, winning an Excellence Award for her thesis.
Ely Sandler
Harvard MPP Class of 2023 Ely is an Israeli economist focused on leveraging finance for environmental and regional cooperation. At Morgan Stanley, he worked on green bonds and advised on public policy. Back in Israel, he's spearheaded projects in renewable energy, water, and agriculture for cross-border partnerships and co-founded 50:50 Startups, fostering Israeli-Palestinian tech ventures. An Oxford graduate in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with first-class honours.
Alumni Leadership
Yael Stern
Executive Director
Harvard MPP Class of 2017 Yael is an impact driven entrepreneur. She has co-founded and managed two digital health startups and four non profit organizations. At Harvard Kennedy School, Yael was a Boies fellow, co-led 2 Israel Treks and helped spearhead an expansion of the delegation from 50 to 150 participants.
Shahar Brukner
Founder & President
Harvard MPP Class of 2020 Today, Shahar is the CEO of Impala, a startup building the data infrastructure that allows nonprofits and philanthropists to maximize their impact. While pursuing his Master's degree at HKS, Shahar started BrainGain Israel to provide scholarships for Israeli students studying at top US universities. Before this, Shahar worked with the Israeli Attorney General, focusing mostly on high-profile criminal cases and criminal law reforms.
Itay Weiss
Alumni Advisory Committee
Georgetown MPP Class of 2019 Itay worked for seven years in the private and public sectors, both in the U.S. and Israel. Currently, he is an Incident Manager at TikTok, where he is making the platform a safer place. In his time at McCourt, Itay brought over 100 future leaders to Israel with the support of itrek. And he co-founded the Georgetown Tech Policy Initiative - the first technology policy student-led organization at the University. Previously, Itay was part of the Israeli media policy working-group for UNESCO’s NET-MED project to draft a strategic plan for the young adult sector in Israel. In addition, he practiced law at the Israeli Ministry of Justice. Itay holds a Bachelor of Law with honors from Ono Academic College, and he is a member of the Israeli Bar Association.
Gal Lin
Alumni Advisory Committee
Harvard MPP Class of 2017 Gal is seeking to address society’s biggest challenges through entrepreneurship. He co-founded two startups in the field of digital health and served as the COO of an AgTech startup. Gal is also the co-founder of four non-profits. At the Harvard Kennedy School Gal was a Boies fellow and the co-chair of the Israel Caucus. Gal led the 2016 and 2017 HKS itreks, introducing close to 250 Harvard graduate students to Israel.
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Bar Peled
Alumni Advisory Committee
Harvard MPP Class of 2018 Bar focuses her career on growth and solving core issues to unlock success. After graduation, she worked for BCG and currently leads B2B business strategy at Fiverr. At Harvard, Bar was chair of the Israeli Caucus and Co-founder of the inaugural Women in Power conference (still going strong years later), led the 2017 and 2018 Israel treks, and focused on political strategy and tech policy. Bar graduated with a joint degree in Law and History from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and spent the early years of her career working for political leaders and campaigns.
Gur Yalon
Alumni Advisory Committee
Princeton MPA Class of 2020 Gur Yalon is a member of SolarEdge’s Strategy Group, working as Solaredge Consulting Chief of Staff, supporting the world’s most influential corporates on their Energy Transition. Prior to SolarEdge, Gur worked as a Management Consultant at Bloomberg Associates. He received a master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton University. Gur lives in Herzliya with his wife Maya and daughter, Alma.
