On March 19th, during Hachana l’Shabbat, Heschel Alumnus Gabe Barnett addressed high schoolers about his role in the White House. Barnett is a Senior Advisor in the Office of Public Engagement and currently serves as the Acting White House Liaison to the American Jewish Community, as well as a Senior Legal Assistant in the White House Counsel’s Office.

Sophomore Zeke Abramson Burdman said, “I thought he was a great speaker and he talked a lot about how important it is to ask questions and connect with teachers. I wish he spoke more about the actual policies he works on, though.” 

Barnett shared his gratitude toward The Heschel School for fostering Jewish pride and a strong sense of community. He explained that these unique values made building connections and relationships with teachers less intimidating – setting a solid foundation for college and other professional interactions. 

After this program, seniors had the opportunity to hear about White House policies before and during the current Israel-Hamas war from Barnett in a more intimate setting.

Barnett’s insights and experience advocating for the Jewish community in a world with rising anti-semitism provided the student body with hope and knowledge, as well as practical values of communicating with teachers.