NYC Gazette

As part of its initiative to support students in journalism and public affairs, the Straus Center's Impact Office has awarded grants to several Yeshiva University students. Among the recipients is Rikki Zagelbaum, a Media Studies major, who interned at The Jerusalem Post during the summer. This opportunity was facilitated by the OU-JLIC's "Summer in Jerusalem" program.

Zagelbaum shared her experience at The Jerusalem Post, where she worked on the breaking news desk. Her responsibilities included writing articles on domestic and international affairs, conducting interviews, and shadowing senior editors. She expressed gratitude to her supervisor, Tamar Uriel-Beeri, for guidance throughout her internship.

Her focus was primarily on Middle Eastern affairs and Israeli national security issues, particularly concerning tensions with Iran. She emphasized Jewish and Israeli interests in her work.

Zagelbaum produced 27 pieces for The Jerusalem Post. One article she highlighted involved touring an art exhibit dedicated to Eitan Dov Rosenzweig z”l, a Staff Sgt. of the Givati Brigade’s Shaked Battalion who died in Gaza this year. She described interviewing his parents as a challenging but moving experience.

Reflecting on her time at The Jerusalem Post, Zagelbaum noted the publication's commitment to journalistic integrity and promoting Jewish values while covering global affairs. She found this approach aligned with the Straus Center's mission to integrate Torah values with political analysis related to Jewish people and Israel.

Zagelbaum concluded that her internship reinforced her belief in journalism as both a meaningful career path and spiritually fulfilling pursuit. She emphasized the need for more Jews in media who prioritize truth.