As part of their training to be intellectual, religious, and civic leaders, Straus Scholars pursue internships and fellowships that expand on their Straus Center studies. YUNews met with Straus Scholar Jacob (Yaakov) Willner (YC ‘25) to discuss his work this past summer with Hudson Institute in Washington D.C.
Can you tell us about your experience at the Hudson Institute? Who did you work with and what were some of your main tasks?
I worked at the Hudson Institute’s Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East, led by its director Dr. Michael Doran and program manager Zineb Riboua. I wrote briefs on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel, Iran, and the broader Middle East. I also gathered research for Hudson’s publications and created briefs on topics like the Iranian nuclear program and Chinese influence in the region. Lastly, I helped prepare material for Dr. Doran’s weekly podcast, Israel Update, which he co-hosts with Gadi Taub.
Take us a little deeper into one of your focus areas.
One area I focused on was the U.S. administration’s statements and actions regarding Israel and Iran. This helped me see the current war as not just a conflict between Israel and Hamas, but part of a broader conflict involving Israel, the U.S., and Iran. For example, the administration's push for a ceasefire in Gaza without Hamas’ complete destruction ties into its goal of achieving a ceasefire with Hezbollah and appeasing Iran so as to secure a nuclear agreement in the long run. This "de-escalation" strategy pushed onto Israel effectively restrains Israel's responses to terrorist activity. Hence I worked on an article on the delays of U.S. arms shipments to Israel, which can be seen as a covert means to pressure Israel against taking aggressive action both in Gaza and Lebanon.
What skills did you develop through this internship?
I definitely honed my research and writing skills, especially in policy analysis and national security. The feedback I received was invaluable. Furthermore, under Dr. Doran’s instruction, I also learned how to properly follow foreign policy news by focusing on reliable sources across the political spectrum. This was crucial for my role in preparing news updates for the Israel Update podcast. Dr. Doran’s work has a major, behind-the-scenes influence within high levels of the American and Israeli security establishments, so I was honored to be able to participate in that work.
Were there any standout moments or accomplishments you’re particularly proud of?
One significant project involved an article on a special U.S. government committee created to impose sanctions on Israelis—something unprecedented for an American ally. Israel has its own robust judicial system, and therefore American sanctions are both unnecessary and unjust.
I also attended several highly informative events at Hudson. The discussions ranged from the methods of defending Ukraine against Putin’s invasion to ways of deterring the Chinese Communist Party in the Taiwan Strait. Hudson also was one of the hosts of the NATO summit this past summer. The most memorable speech I attended was when Speaker Johnson delivered a major address at Hudson on American national security, including the imperative to stand with Israel in this war.
How did your experience as a Straus Scholar influence your work at Hudson?
I'm incredibly grateful to the Straus Center for equipping me with the tools to succeed in Washington. Their guidance—both in fellowship advice and logistical support—was invaluable. The Straus Center also encouraged me to revive the Alexander Hamilton Society at Yeshiva. I was privileged to be a Hamilton National Fellow this past summer with other students studying foreign policy from across the country.
More broadly, the Straus Center has instilled in me the importance of being grounded in Torah ideals while contributing to general society. Additionally, the education I have received at Straus has shaped my perspective on U.S.-Israel relations and global politics.
Why do you think this work is important, and why should other Straus Scholars consider similar internships?
Since October 7th, the Jewish people have been at the center of the world’s attention. As a yarmulke-wearing Jew, I felt the weight of representing the Jewish people and their connection to Israel, and to be mekadeish sheim shamayim (sanctify the name of God) in the workplace.
Additionally, being able to work on Israel issues specifically within the context of American national security was tremendously meaningful to me at this moment. I have many friends serving in the IDF, and I felt that my work served to support their heroism (albeit on a much lower level). It is crucial for more Jews to get involved in these political activities to ensure that our perspectives and priorities are represented in conversations about Israel and the Jewish people.
