Israeli diplomat visits Rider to speak to Hillel students

On Thursday, Nov. 19, Israel's deputy consul general for the mid–Atlantic region, Moran Birman, stopped by the Fireside Lounge to talk with students from the Jewish student organization Hillel. He discussed how he became a diplomat and a wide range of current events, as well as other cultural aspects of Israel, such as music and food. 

"Meeting him in person was a great experience," says sophomore Hannah Isaacs '18, who organized the event. "We had a big turnout and students were able to learn many things about Israel that they may not have been aware of. Having an Israeli diplomat here to tell us all about what's happening was fascinating and informative." 

Hillel offers social, religious and cultural programs as well as participating in regional and national activities that bring together Jewish students from different colleges and universities together. 

The Rider University chapter is an official Hillel affiliate and a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks. It is located across the street from Congregation Adath Israel and all students are welcome to attend weekly Shabbat services, holiday events and other programs. 

Birman, who graduated from Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2011 with a law degree, was appointed Deputy Consul General to the Consulate General of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region in August 2015. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Dana, who is also a lawyer. Prior to moving to Philadelphia, he spent eight years living in Tel Aviv, practicing law, litigating antitrust, regulation and communication cases. He also volunteered his time providing legal assistance to the Ethiopian immigrant community in Yokne'am, Israel.

For more information on how to become involved with Hillel, visit www.rider.edu/student-life/activities-organizations/religious-organizati...