August 17, 2025 — Washington, D.C.
Hallie Idstein Hardy, Summer 2025 CEA intern
University of Michigan, Class of 2028
When I awoke on the third day of my internship with American Jewish Committee (AJC), my excitement for my first hybrid workday came to an abrupt halt when I read the news that Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were murdered after leaving an AJC ACCESS event. As a DC native who grew up confronting the deeply ingrained antisemitism in my independent school and witnessing the increase in antisemitic incidents after October 7, I knew antisemitism was raging through my city. I was immediately overwhelmed by two horrifying questions: How could this happen at an event I was so warmly invited to? And why am I not the slightest bit surprised that a hate-fueled murder claimed two young Jewish lives?
While my head and heart were swirling, I willed myself to step back and focus on the pride I felt in being part of this organization. At the same time, I realized that for the first time in my life, I was entirely surrounded by people who shared the same hurt, anger, and anxiety that I did, and I have my internship to thank for that.
At 9:00am, I logged onto a meeting with the Center for Education Advocacy (CEA) team, where a member responded to the idea of increasing security at Jewish events by saying it only “puts a band-aid on a hemorrhage.” That analogy stuck with me. It made me think more deeply about what we, as American Jews, can do in such moments. Once again, I felt proud to be part of an organization that works and fights to create a world where, instead of Jews feeling unsafe and needing more protection, we can go to Jewish museums and simply be Jewish, without fearing for our lives.
I carried that sense of pride throughout my internship with AJC. I compiled student contact information, met with AJC staff to discuss their work, and wrote policy memos. I looked forward to the Campus Affairs letter going out at the end of the summer. I knew that more than 300 students, whose contact information I had organized, would receive impactful information. After meeting with University of Michigan alumni and other young employees, I became excited about the future work I’ve chosen to pursue and the impact it could have. I considered how many more students AJC could support and the outreach possibilities an Instagram account could provide.
I’m not only leaving AJC with pride in the work I’ve done in the office, but also with the opportunities and connections that AJC has provided. One of the most meaningful opportunities I participated in was accompanying the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, with the other interns and fellows, to Capitol Hill to remind the world that 50 hostages are still in Gaza. Ilya David, the brother of current hostage Evyatar David, accompanied my group. I’ve heard former hostages and hostage family members speak at various events, but personally assisting Ilya and witnessing him go into every representative’s office took my breath away. I was in awe of his strength and resilience after almost two exhausting years of fighting for his brother. Helping Ilya strengthened my Jewish identity. I was left grappling with questions about what I want to do with my life. Did I want to be someone who builds relationships with hostages and their families? Or a government official who helps create a safer world for Jews? That night, recounting my experience to my family over dinner, my dad told me to think about what part of my day brought me the excitement and joy that was so evident on my face. The answer was simple: I loved being in a Jewish space, with Jewish people. Being surrounded by professionals and students who cared as deeply as I did strengthened the sense of pride I had felt since my third day on the job.
As I reflect on my time at AJC, I shared with Assistant Director of Campus Affairs Gavi Burack and Director of Campus Affairs Moshe Lencer that although my internship began in chaos and heartbreak, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I was able to witness AJC rebuild and grow stronger after the tragic deaths of Sarah and Yaron, and through that, I experienced my growth in my Jewish identity.
If you’re interested in interning with AJC Campus Affairs or learning about our work, please email campus@ajc.org.
