Welcoming Mahran Yosef – Harvard’s New Israel Fellow

Dear fellow members of Harvard’s Jewish community,

I hope my message finds you, and those you love, well.

The promise of Harvard Hillel begins in introducing Jewish students at Harvard, and Harvard at large, to an inspiring vitality of Jewish life that spans denominations, politics, and aesthetic sensibilities – and culminates in students’ life-long contributions to renewed flourishing life throughout their adult lives. In this moment of alienation and polarization, there is particular urgency to bridging between American Judaism and Israeli Judaism, and of humanizing the latter against the dehumanizing misrepresentations. And there is no surer, or more principled way of doing this than bringing promising young Israelis to work at Harvard Hillel – to represent, communicate, and connect their culture and experiences to today’s Harvard students. Harvard Hillel is one of a growing cohort of Hillels around the country that hosts young employees, shlichim (emissaries) of the Jewish Agency, embedded within our staff and bringing their intelligence, dedication, training, and experience to our work of connecting to and inspiring Jewish students.

We are extraordinarily fortunate to have found someone brimming with these qualities and more in Mahran Yosef, an alumnus of the elite 8200 intelligence unit in the IDF, and an experienced and beloved member of Tel Aviv University’s Student Life team. Already in his first days at Harvard Hillel, Mahran has demonstrated the warmth, wisdom, and genuine care that make him a natural mentor and role model. His commitment to supporting Jewish and Israeli students – and indeed all students seeking to understand Israel’s complexity and humanity – exemplifies the open-hearted approach that defines Harvard Hillel. I cannot wait for you to meet him and experience firsthand the energy and insight he contributes to this community.

I invite you to read Mahran’s introduction below to learn more about the person behind the position, and to understand why we’re so excited about all he’ll bring to our community.

Brachot,

Rabbi Jason Rubenstein
Executive Director

Hi, I’m Mahran Yosef, Harvard Hillel’s new Israel Fellow. I grew up in Beit Jann, a Druze village in the mountains of northern Israel, where hospitality and community are a way of life. Before coming to Cambridge, I worked at Tel Aviv University’s International School, designing cultural programs, trips, and events that brought people from around the world into shared spaces for learning, laughter, and connection. These experiences taught me the power of building bridges across cultures and perspectives.

I speak Hebrew, Arabic, and English, and I’m currently teaching myself French. I see my role at Hillel as more than just leading conversations about Israel — I’m here to help students feel comfortable, supported, and inspired. Whether you’re looking for someone to brainstorm with, explore a new idea, or simply share a meal, I’m excited to be part of a community where everyone can show up exactly as they are.

When I’m not working with students, you can probably find me hiking, experimenting in the kitchen, or deep in a creative writing project. I’m always open to new adventures, whether that’s trying something completely unfamiliar or learning from someone else’s story. My hope is that in our time together, you’ll see Hillel as a space where you’re not just welcome — you belong.

Mahran Yosef
Israel Fellow