Fall 2025 Winner of the Jewish Heritage Scholarship

Yotam Schleyer

Yotam is furthering his education as a way to rebuild, strengthen, and prepare for meaningful service. After enduring the challenges of war and personal sacrifice, he is determined to expand his knowledge and sharpen his skills in public leadership, crisis management, and national security. Congratulations, Yotam, we admire your commitment to personal growth!

Read his essay here:

My name is Yotam Schleyer, a Major (Res.) in the IDF, and I will begin my studies at the Harvard Kennedy School in July 2025. This request is deeply personal, born from a place of purpose and urgency: I’m emerging from a difficult war, trying to rebuild my personal and family life, and beginning a new path with one clear goal—returning to Israel equipped to help build a stronger, more responsible, and more united future in public service.

My grandfather escaped Nazi Germany and built a life in Israel, eventually becoming mayor of his town. He taught me that strength must be matched by empathy, and that leadership means protecting your people while understanding others. I was born and raised in Metula, a small town on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where those lessons shaped me. Leadership there is grounded—not in speeches, but in responsibility and action. During the war, Metula was evacuated and struck by rocket attacks and infiltrations. The home I grew up in was devastated. But that devastation also gave me purpose—to help rebuild our future.

Since October 7th, I’ve served as a deputy battalion commander in a special reserve unit. For over 500 days, I led soldiers in complex operations under fire, sacrificing personal and financial stability. Meanwhile, my wife, Noga, was alone in the U.S., completing her master’s at MIT—an experience we had planned to share. It was one of the most challenging times of our lives. Yet it reaffirmed who I am and what I want to dedicate my life to.

Though I’ve been forced to fight, like my grandfather, I pride myself on my ability to bring people together—Jews and Muslims, Arabs and Israelis. I did this on an international scale while serving in the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, working on regional security partnerships with counterparts in the Middle East.

My public service began in a special forces unit and continued with six years in the Prime Minister’s Office, where I led sensitive national security projects, helped shape policy, and drove initiatives to strengthen Israel’s resilience. During the COVID crisis, I left my position to save my family’s agricultural business, which was on the brink of collapse. I traveled to the Gulf before the Abraham Accords, built trade relationships, and opened new export routes using Israeli technology and pride—rebuilding the business from the ground up.

I was accepted to Harvard, but unfortunately did not receive a scholarship. After a year and a half of reserve service without income, and without financial backing, it is extremely difficult to afford tuition and living expenses in Boston. Our costs are high, especially as my wife recently graduated and is repaying her student loans. Tuition alone is $80,000—not including housing or essentials. But this isn’t just an investment in my education—it’s an investment in rebuilding Israel’s future leadership. I’m not looking for favors, but I do need help. Your support would allow me to fully focus on my studies and return home ready to lead, serve, and rebuild.

At HKS, I plan to focus on public leadership, crisis management, and national security—developing the skills needed to assume senior roles in Israel’s civil service. I believe I have a role to play on campus, too—especially now. In recent months, U.S. campuses have seen a troubling rise in antisemitic rhetoric and actions, making respectful dialogue more difficult. In this environment, it’s critical that a new voice is heard: one of responsibility, nuance, and hope. I come with deep regional knowledge, and an unshakable belief in partnership and shared responsibility. I intend to be there to connect, to listen, and to lead.

Your support wouldn’t just fund my education—it would become part of a shared legacy of resilience, rebuilding, and service.

I am more optimistic than ever. Even in the heart of war, I saw the spirit of the Israeli people. I saw how strong we are when we are united—on the front lines and at home. I saw how we fight together, how we fall together—and more importantly, how we live together. That’s what drives me. That’s the path I believe in. That’s the path I am determined to lead when I return home.

Thank you for your time, your consideration, and for believing in the power of service and rebuilding. Together, we can shape the future Israel needs: resilient, safe, and united.