Student Israelity

Zach Ainbinder-Barkley is a junior at American University, where he studies in the School of International Service and focuses on Foreign Policy & Conflict Resolution in MENA. Zach has been avidly studying Israeli history and politics for years. Outside of SIS and Student Israelity, Zach has experience on Capitol Hill as a legislative intern and fellow, along with being a researcher at the Abba Eban Institute for International Diplomacy in Herzliya, Israel. In his personal life, Zach is an avid distance runner, having completed multiple half marathons.

Barbie Goldstein

Barbie Goldstein is a senior at American University studying International Studies and Political Science. She’s been involved with Student Israelity for the majority of her undergrad, and is thrilled to continue being an editor and graphics designer this year. Aside from the blog, she is in Sigma Kappa, Alpha Phi Omega, and interns for the American Association of People with Disabilities. In her free time, she loves learning about different cultures through reading and obsesses over her dog, a black lab mix.

Sophie Balmagiya

Sophie Balmagiya is a junior studying Political Science and Israel Studies. She’s originally from Queens, New York. During her free time, she enjoys reading books and traveling. A published writer for The Times of Israel, she is excited to be returning to the editorial board for her second year.

Max Lagoy

Max Lagoy is a sophomore born in Leesburg, VA, he has lived in, Missouri, Hawaii, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, and Israel. He is majoring in International Relations, with a minor in Israel Studies and Hebrew. Max has worked for the Union for Reform Judaism, as a recruiter for their study abroad program in Israel and also has worked at a Jewish summer camp. He hopes to work for the United States embassy in Israel and further improve American Israeli relations.

Sarah Havdala

Sarah Havdala is a sophomore at American University majoring in International Studies with a focus in the Middle East. Outside of class and Student Israelity, Sarah is a birthright ambassador for AU Hillel and is a member of Students Supporting Israel. In her free time, the Arkansas native loves to travel and read. 

Professor Guy Ziv mentors the blog's student team in management and teamwork as well as helps to brainstorm interesting topics about Israel to explore. In addition, he leads biweekly discussions about Israeli current events as part of programming by the Center for Israel Studies, which sponsors the Student Israelity blog. As an associate professor in the School of International Service's U.S. Foreign Policy Program, Professor Ziv teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses on U.S. foreign policy, the Middle East, and international negotiations.