Sami Wertheim
January 2019
Sami Wertheim '15
How was Jewish life at UNC (University of North Carolina?
Both Hillel and Chabad are very active on campus. Many students active in Jewish life are also members of either AEPI, the Jewish fraternity or SRL, the Jewish interest sorority on campus. I spent many nights learning, studying, and laughing with my friends at Hillel and SRL.
Did you encounter difficulties being Jewish down South?
My first few months at UNC were an adjustment. Jewish life at UNC is definitely different from what I was used to growing up in Rockland County. The closest kosher restaurant was in Charlotte, 2.5 hours away. However, I made it work. For the first time, I found myself in a minority where I was considered "more religious" and had to go the extra mile to be kosher, observe Shabbat and the holidays. I turned these challenges into an opportunity to strengthen my Jewish identity and be involved in my Jewish community.
What are you doing now?
After graduating UNC last May, I moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to work as an AIPAC Fellow. I love that every day I have the opportunity to engage and grow the pro-Israel community.
Is this an outgrowth of your time on the board of Friends of Israel at RCC?
Friends of Israel at RCC exposed me to the countless opportunities for pro-Israel activism on college campuses, and the importance of it. I got involved with Heels for Israel, the pro-Israel group at UNC, almost immediately.
You served as student trustee at RCC, what was it like being a "Big Macher"?
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from so many inspiring individuals. This experience refined my academic interests in political science and public policy, while also showing me the importance of building relationships and working to help others in the community.
You're from NY & now you're in Florida, is this early snowbird kicking in?
I guess you can say so! I traded in my snow boots for flip flops.
Sami Wertheim '15
How was Jewish life at UNC (University of North Carolina?
Both Hillel and Chabad are very active on campus. Many students active in Jewish life are also members of either AEPI, the Jewish fraternity or SRL, the Jewish interest sorority on campus. I spent many nights learning, studying, and laughing with my friends at Hillel and SRL.
Did you encounter difficulties being Jewish down South?
My first few months at UNC were an adjustment. Jewish life at UNC is definitely different from what I was used to growing up in Rockland County. The closest kosher restaurant was in Charlotte, 2.5 hours away. However, I made it work. For the first time, I found myself in a minority where I was considered "more religious" and had to go the extra mile to be kosher, observe Shabbat and the holidays. I turned these challenges into an opportunity to strengthen my Jewish identity and be involved in my Jewish community.
What are you doing now?
After graduating UNC last May, I moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to work as an AIPAC Fellow. I love that every day I have the opportunity to engage and grow the pro-Israel community.
Is this an outgrowth of your time on the board of Friends of Israel at RCC?
Friends of Israel at RCC exposed me to the countless opportunities for pro-Israel activism on college campuses, and the importance of it. I got involved with Heels for Israel, the pro-Israel group at UNC, almost immediately.
You served as student trustee at RCC, what was it like being a "Big Macher"?
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from so many inspiring individuals. This experience refined my academic interests in political science and public policy, while also showing me the importance of building relationships and working to help others in the community.
You're from NY & now you're in Florida, is this early snowbird kicking in?
I guess you can say so! I traded in my snow boots for flip flops.
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