Graduate Profile: Miriam Silverman Israel, MTS '24

How I've Changed  

Since starting at HDS I have become much more open to new ways of knowing, new forms of knowledge and new ways of understanding and interpreting the world. I have developed a sense of moral clarity and confidence in my own beliefs - sometimes in spite of, not because of, my affiliation with an institution like Harvard. I have learned to communicate in new ways and come to understand more clearly the roles I can play in pursuing justice. 

Memorable Moment 

My most memorable moment might be watching the partial solar eclipse as a community on the HDS Green. Seeing so many people from across the school come together and make meaning of this remarkable natural event was so much fun and reminded me how much we all have to learn from each other and the world around us. 

Favorite Class or Professor 

The class "Coloniality, Race and Catastrophe" with Professor Mayra Rivera shifted how I view the world and how I think about my own work on climate change. It was my first time reading the Book of Revelation and I continue to reflect on the idea that catastrophe and apocalypse are not new phenomena. Many worlds have ended in the course of human history and continue to end every day in the face of climate impacts. We can learn from these past catastrophes how to better face our current moment. 

Message of Thanks  

I would like to thank my many brilliant peers at HDS, who have inspired me in their relentless commitment to just peace and liberation for all people, and who have taught me so much about what it means to live out one's values and to act with moral clarity and courage, even when it might be unpopular. I am constantly inspired by the brave students of the Harvard Liberated Zone and am grateful to all of them for the camaraderie, community care and deep sense of justice. 

What I Hope to Be Remembered By 

I hope to be remembered as someone who showed up for others when they were in need and who was always open to a spontaneous chat in the Commons. I hope to also be remembered for my work as a part of Jews for Liberation and our efforts to create a meaningful space for anti-Zionist, non-Zionist and Zionist-questioning Jewish students. I hope that as a group we have created a space that will be meaningful for future students and expanded the options for Jewish spiritual and communal life on campus. 

Future Plans 

I plan to continue building creative, vibrant community and working towards liberation for all people. Professionally, I will be working on international climate adaptation programming and policy in DC and look forward to using what I've learned at HDS in my work!