Friedman Named Editor In Chief for Volume 90; Mamet to be Managing Editor
Jason Friedman (YC ‘26) was selected to be the editor in chief for the 90th volume of The Commentator by outgoing Editors in Chief Rivka Bennun (SCW ‘24) and Jonathan Levin (YC ‘24). Hannah Mamet (SCW ‘25) was selected to be managing editor.
Friedman, a political science and philosophy double major hailing from Brooklyn, New York, who goes by his Hebrew name Sruli, has been writing for The Commentator since he began as a true freshman in fall 2022. Friedman started off as a contributing writer and became a junior news editor that semester. Friedman has been the senior news editor since fall 2023.
Bennun emphasized Friedman’s leadership skills and passion for journalism as the reason why she believes Friedman is fitting for the position.
“Working with Sruli for the past two years, and watching his journalistic skills grow over time, has been an absolute pleasure,” Bennun said. “His strong leadership of the news section has proven he is reliable and efficient, and his dedication to The Commentator is apparent to everyone on our team.”
Levin also commented on Friedman’s expertise as a journalist.
“Sruli is an excellent choice; his work, as a writer, editor or manager, is top quality,” Levin stated. “Over the past two years, whether it came to writing an article, working with a writer or just accomplishing things, I could always count on him to do an impeccable job. Having watched him grow and reach where he is now, I have the utmost confidence in his leadership, and eagerly look forward to watching next year’s Commentator surpass this year’s.”
Friedman expressed his exhilaration for assuming the role. “The Commentator is one of the oldest student organizations at YU, and one of the most important. It’s a true honor and source of great excitement to be leading it next year,” Friedman shared. “I look forward to working with all of our fantastic editors to share great stories, opinions and journalism with the YU community. I look forward to expanding The Commentator’s operations and making it the best paper it can be!”
Hannah Mamet (SCW ‘25), a biology major with a concentration in music, will assume the role of managing editor, replacing Elishama Marmon (YC ‘24). Mamet has been the senior features editor for the past year and has been writing for The Commentator since fall 2022.
“I feel very honored to be promoted to this position and I am excited to be working with such a competent, dedicated and passionate staff,” Mamet commented. “Sruli has successively managed our busy news section, and between his professionalism and dedication to The Commentator, I am confident that he will make a great Editor-in-Chief. I also owe an immense amount of gratitude to past editor in chiefs, Rivka and Yekusiel, for guiding me and teaching me everything I know about journalism, with nothing but passion, humility and love for what they do.”
“Hannah's kindness, dependability, and ability to reach people will make her an excellent managing editor for The Commentator,” said Bennun. “While Hannah is an editor I have worked with closely for the past year, she is also a friend, and it is an honor to give her this role.”
Friedman will be replaced by Junior News Editor Rikki Zagelbaum (SCW ‘26) as senior news editor and Junior Features Editor Rivka Krause (SCW ‘25) will replace Mamet as senior features editor. Other senior editors for the 2024-2025 board will be Tani Lewis (SSSB ‘25) as senior business editor and Nadav Heller (YC ‘25) as senior opinions editor.
“We believe we are leaving the paper in very good hands,” stated Bennun and Levin. “We’re excited to see The Commentator thrive under the leadership of Sruli and Hannah.”
The Commentator can be reached at editor@yucommentator.org
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Photo Caption: Incoming Editor and Chief and Managing Editor Sruli Friedman (YC ‘26) and Hannah Mamet (SCW ‘25)
Photo Credit: Sruli Friedman and Hannah Mamet
