Sarah Smolyanova is the President of AUJS New Zealand. Originally from overseas, she is currently studying film at a university in Auckland and is proud to call New Zealand her new home. She is also an AJC Global Leadership Fellow, representing the often-overlooked Jewish communities of New Zealand on the global stage. A strong believer in the power of Jewish joy, Sarah is committed to helping build a vibrant and confident Jewish identity both on campus and beyond. When she’s not advocating, campaigning, or making films, she enjoys skiing, and emerging herself in any and all water sports.
Session 1
Experiences of a Jewish University Studnet on Campus
Sarah’s involvement with AUJS began while attending a public vote at her university in Sydney. The professor leading the session opened by declaring that it was his “duty” to ensure every Jewish student on campus felt uncomfortable, and the crowd began booing Sarah and her friends. In this session, Sarah will share her journey as a Jewish university student, and the passion she has developed for advocacy along the way.