Samantha Brody and Gali Polichuk to Co-Chair
2023-2024 Hillel International Student Cabinet
Today Hillel International announced the co-chairs of the eighth cohort of its Student Cabinet for the 2023-2024 academic year. Hillel International’s Student Cabinet is composed of up to 22 student leaders from around the world that provide the student perspective to the lay and professional leadership of the organization.
Tasked with leading the Cabinet, the co-chairs will help guide the Hillel movement in the coming year, elevating the student experience and fostering new opportunities for student leadership. Gali Polichuk of the University of Florida and Samantha Brody of Brandeis University have been selected to lead the eighth cohort, serving as key leaders channeling the voices of students on the more than 850 campuses that Hillel serves around the world. As co-chairs of the Student Cabinet, Polichuk and Brody will also serve as members of the Hillel International Board of Directors.
“Hillel student leaders are critical partners in how we create community and compelling Jewish experiences at Hillels around the world,” said Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman. “As exemplary leaders on their campuses and in the Hillel movement, Gali and Samantha know what it takes to inspire their fellow students to action and engagement. I look forward to partnering with them in our shared mission of strengthening the Hillel movement and Jewish future in the process.”
Gali Polichuk is a junior at the University of Florida majoring in Sustainability Studies. Born and raised in Mexico City, Gali is a former Hillel International Social Media Ambassador, and a current member of Hillel’s Israel Leadership Network and Student Cabinet. On campus, Gali has served as a service engagement intern at Hillel of UF and will soon serve as a peer leader for the Fact Finders trip, a program for non-Jewish student leaders to travel to and experience Israel.
“I am extremely excited to take on the role of co-chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet because as a passionate advocate for student voices, I believe in creating opportunities for all students, no matter their involvement level, age, location, or background,” said Gali Polichuk, incoming co-chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet. “My goal is to ensure that every Jewish student feels heard and valued within the Hillel community. I’m honored to give back to the Hillel community that has given me so much, and I can’t wait to see the impact we’ll make together.”
Samantha Brody is a junior at Brandeis University studying Near Eastern & Judaic Studies and Education Studies. From the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Samantha was an Israel Education Intern at Hillel International and is currently a member of the Student Cabinet. At Brandeis Hillel, Samantha served as Israel Programs Coordinator and President. The upcoming academic year will be her third on the Student Cabinet.
“Co-chairing the Hillel International Student Cabinet is an incredible opportunity to lead a strong group of passionate student leaders and to empower them to make the positive changes they hope to see in our movement,” said Samantha Brody, incoming co-chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet. “I look forward to inspiring the next cabinet to take initiative and bring the student voice to the forefront of the Hillel movement, and I can’t wait to learn from the incredible students, staff, and leaders that I will encounter throughout this experience.”
Polichuk and Brody will officially begin as co-chairs on July 1, serving throughout the 2023-2024 academic year.