Meet the Candidates: Ben Kohane

Ben Kohane,Math & Economics

Desired position in Student Government  

Junior Class Vice President

Bio:

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ben Kohane attended Hillel Academy before heading off to Yeshivat Yesodei HaTorah for his year in Israel. Throughout his life, Ben has always enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing the diversity which the world can offer, whether it be volunteering at a kibbutz or helping build a library in Nicaragua. When not running for Junior Class VP, Ben splits his time between studying for classes, writing for the Commentator, working with both Bnei Akiva and NCSY, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and joining in on other exciting extracurriculars here at YU.

Why are you running for this position on student council?            

I have always enjoyed being a leader. Beginning in high school, including several roles in student government, I have always chosen to stand up and make a difference. That drive motivates me to run for a student council position here at YU. I hope to accurately represent each and every single one of my classmates in important matters, preserving and enhancing the connection between school and student. In high school, I was a student council representative and vice president. Additionally, I captained the basketball team, was editor-chief of the newspaper, and ran various youth groups in my community.

What experience do you bring to this position?   

I have undertaken various leadership training seminars to help bolster my ability to guide and represent. I hope to take a more active role in YU's Israel Club as well as the Writing Center.

What, if any, other leadership commitments are you taking on next year?      

How many credits do you plan on taking next semester? 

17

     I live in a YU dorm, I live within five blocks of the YC campus, I eat at least half of my meals in the caf, I have attended courses outside Yeshiva University, I have not faced any disciplinary action from Yeshiva University, I do not have a criminal record nor have I been arrested

At YU, I...

Why should students vote for you over any other candidate?

I try to vary my shabbat experiences, volunteering with NCSY and Bnei Akiva to assist on shabbatons, as well as attend Stern Shabbatons and visiting friends and family throughout the area. Although my opponent has scholarly background, it is important to realize that a student leader must be willing to work hard and persevere throughoutchallenges. My experience and resilience will translate into success for the entire junior class.