At the University of Maryland, rising seniors Lucy Schneider and Gabriel (Gabi) Stern have chosen proactive advocacy over retreat. Lucy and Gabi are LIAT (Leaders in Advocacy Training) fellows at the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center (OUA), the federal advocacy arm of the Orthodox Union.

The LIAT Fellowship was created after October 7 with the goal of fostering the next generation of Jewish political leaders. The fellowship selects Jewish students who are passionate about Jewish advocacy, and provides them with resources, mentorship, training, and a week-long immersive experience in Washington, D.C. to burnish their skills and broaden their networks.

A Cincinnati native, Lucy was drawn to University of Maryland-College Park because of its vibrant Jewish life on campus. A freshman when the October 7 attacks occurred, Lucy serves as a student leader on Maryland’s Antisemitism on Campus Task Force and served as Social Media Chair and President of the Jewish Student Union for over two years.

Like Lucy, Gabi Stern, a native of White Plains, N.Y. and an economics major, was drawn to University of Maryland’s Jewish life. Gabi quickly became involved in the Jewish community by joining the Modern Orthodox student organization, Kedma, as well as the Hillel chapter. 

While Lucy and Gabi found campus life largely welcoming, they were shocked by the level of antisemitism in the Student Government Association. When Lucy ran for student government, she was blackballed because of her Judaism and outspoken support for Israel. Furthermore, the Association tried to pass a resolution to boycott and divest from companies and assets that support Israel. When the resolution failed to pass, they decided to hold the vote on Yom Kippur when few Jews could participate. 

Lucy and Gabi decided to fight back by applying to LIAT and finding other ways to advocate for the Jewish community on campus.

In February of this year, through the LIAT fellowship and OU Advocacy’s D.C. network, Gabi had the opportunity to testify before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights about his campus experiences and the antisemitism Jewish students face in student government.

“I do believe it is the obligation of a representative voice to give equal voice to all students,” Gabi said in his testimony. “How could student government be said to represent us when they deliberately alienate over 5,000 Jewish students?”

Both students undertake a “capstone” project as part of their LIAT fellowship. Because of her experience on campus, Lucy focused on countering rampant misinformation about Judaism and Israel.

“I think young Jews today feel as if their values are being dismissed. It’s really important to educate what Judaism is and why there has been a rise in antisemitism. I am not trying to convince anyone to change their opinion, I just want others to be educated with the facts,” said Lucy.

In collaboration with another fellow, Lucy built a website and Instagram account centered on changing the narrative around Israel and antisemitism. By demystifying these issues, Lucy had the opportunity to showcase how young adults are getting false information about Jewish life from the media. 

In the second year of her fellowship and her junior year in college, Lucy shifted her focus to Jewish joy. “I wanted to move the mourning period of sadness to a more uplifting conversation, to reignite Jewish identities and what being Jewish truly means. That meant talking about our favorite parts of Jewish holidays, positive news on campus, and being more optimistic during dialogue.” 

Gabi’s LIAT project approached Jewish identity through writing, using the pen to educate people about the history of antisemitism. He published two articles in UMD’s Jewish student publication. To Gabi, education and storytelling are powerful tools to challenge untrue narratives around Judaism. 

Both students are putting their LIAT skills to good use this summer. Lucy worked in political communications for the Jewish Federation of North America and is interested in pursuing nonprofit policy work. Gabi had an opportunity to see the lawmaking process up-close as an intern in Rep. Steny Hoyer’s office. He also took some time off to canvas in the U.S. Senate primary in Michigan this summer.

Rabbi Elie Buechler, LIAT’s director, wants the program to not only address the issues that Jews face today, but also give participants the confidence and tools to respond to them. “The LIAT fellowship is truly an advocacy bootcamp that empowers young Jewish leaders to build on their skill sets and convictions. They will be the decision-makers in the years to come, and we hope that their experience as LIAT Fellows will serve as a foundation for the work they do in the future.” 

“My one piece of advice to all Jewish students is to not silence your voice, always share what you believe,” said Lucy. “People don’t have to agree with you, but don’t risk not being heard. Don’t let antisemitism scare you to not stand up for yourself.”