By Ezra Rich
In an era of major change, the importance of political participation is critical to all of us. Blessed with one of the most beautiful city halls in the country, Hillel of Buffalo Summer Interns had an informative day focused on politics and civic engagement. The students enjoyed a tour of the Court System 8th Judicial District with Andrew Isenberg, District Executive, followed by a special meeting with Adam Fogel, the Chief of Staff to Sen. Timothy M. Kennedy and the co-chair of the Buffalo Jewish Community Relations Council. As news coverage heats up around the midterm elections, the students left the day with a greater awareness of the political process and a range of opportunities where they can get involved.
Key goals of the summer internship program include empowering the students with meaningful work skills as well as Jewish insight to help shape their perspective on their role in the world as they ultimately migrate from students into working adults. One of our final Fridays was focused on business and philanthropy. Students were privileged to meet with Eric Feldstein, Western New York Regional President and Head of Business Banking at M&T Bank. Mr. Feldstein discussed his career and his leadership in the bank in both its business operations as well as its volunteer and corporate involvement across the community. Next, the students enjoyed a wonderful conversation on Tzedekah with Steven and Ellen Weiss, longtime leaders in Buffalo’s Jewish and business community and the recent recipients of Hillel’s Distinguished Alumni Award. While the students will be wrapping up their internships in August, we know that the experiential Jewish education they enjoyed this summer will continue to inspire them in the future.
For the past two weeks, we’ve introduced you to 6 of the 9 2022 Hillel of Buffalo Summer Interns. Please meet our third and final cohort:
Jacob Landerer
CURBC Inc.
I am from Great Neck, NY on Long Island. I’m majoring in Mechanical Engineering at the University at Buffalo. Outside of school, I love sailing and skateboarding and have been doing both for 10 years.
Alana Lesczynski
JCC of Greater Buffalo
I’m from the Lower East Side of Manhattan where I’ve lived my whole life. I am currently a rising senior and a Graphic Design major at UB. This year I am also the Treasurer of the Student Association. My interests include art and my school’s improv club.
Karen Meyers
Just for Kids School Age Programs
I’m a rising junior at the University at Buffalo and grew up in Albany, NY. I am a Health and Human Services Major with a concentration in Early Childhood and part of the UBTeach program. While in school, I participate in CircleK, a volunteer club that sponsors events around Buffalo and Impulse Dance Force. I also work as a server and lifeguard during the year. I like to dance, read, and do almost anything outdoors.
