As a YU student interested in Israel, Aharon Cohen '27YC just wanted to get an internship for the summer working with the Israeli government and doing whatever he could do to support the Jewish state. But after joining the YU in Israel summer internship program, the level of his involvement in the historic events unfolding on the ground became quite extraordinary.
Aharon not only got to intern in the Israel Foreign Ministry, working closely with ministers and members of parliament on governmental policy and strategic direction, he also fought in the IDF reserves and helped acclaimed author and Former Israel Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren write his new book.
All in one summer. Thats quite an accomplishment for a young man from the quiet suburbs of Clifton, New Jersey.
It all happened kind of quickly, said Aharon. I wanted to be where the decisions are being made. I wanted to contribute. I served with such amazing and courageous people in the IDF. I wanted to represent them and provide their perspective in the halls of government, to give them a seat at the table.
Aharon got to do that and more. He split time interning in the foreign ministry in the first half of the week and then serving in active duty with the IDF during the second half.
He worked in the Knesset as part of Foreign Minister Gideon Saars slate. He joined committee meetings and saw how policy was made up front. After working in the Knesset, he would rush to join his IDF unit on active duty. When he had time to sleep, he crashed at YUs Campus, conveniently located in the heart of Jerusalem.
If that double mission of Knesset and IDF service seems like enough for any young man to handle, Aharon went further. He happened to meet Ambassador Michael Oren at a social event. Oren, who also served in the IDF as a lone soldier, saw a familiar drive and zeal in Aharon. Oren invited the young YU student to be his research assistant, studying events and reviewing text for an upcoming book Oren is writing about Hamas brutal attack on Oct. 7 and Israels just response.
I definitely got to see everything firsthand during this YU internship, said Aharon. I really appreciate speaking with Michael about what the soldiers need. It was such an amazing experience in Israel, it changed my life. I switched my major to Political Science and want to work in government to create a better future for my friends in the IDF, and everyone else.
Aharon demonstrated that the extraordinary and the exceptional are found every day at YU. Aharon is a shining example of both.
