Educating and engaging idealistic, dedicated young people is central to UN Watch’s mission. As the world becomes more hostile to Israel, and as many carry a distorted picture of the United Nations as a fair arbiter of international law, the importance of empowering the next generation cannot be overstated.
Through a rigorous internship program, UN Watch cultivates young leaders who will advocate for Israel, human rights, and a UN that is accountable to its own Charter.
Current and Former Interns Spotlighted
Cole Hecker, originally from Tenafly, NJ, is a junior at Boston University studying international relations. Cole described his internship experience as “nothing short of unforgettable.” He continued: “During my time here, I was fully immersed in the world of international diplomacy.”
In the recent March session, Cole took the floor of the UN Human Rights Council to condemn North Korea for aiding Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
North Korea interrupted Cole’s two-minute speech a staggering five times, demanding that the chair “stop this intervention.” Belgium defended Cole and UN Watch’s right to speak.
“Delivering my speech to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva was a transformative experience,” says Cole. “Every word carried weight, and I felt the profound responsibility of using my voice on behalf of those who could not be heard.”
“I was interrupted five separate times by the North Korean delegation. Each time, they invoked points of order in an attempt to silence me. But I stood firm. I insisted on finishing my statement,” Cole added.
Click Here to Watch Cole’s Speech
A native of Short Hills, NJ, Amanda Krowitz is a junior majoring in English at Colgate University. Amanda was drawn to UN Watch’s work after seeing the rise of antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric on her campus. “I see UN Watch’s work as extremely timely,” she notes.
Also in the recent March session of the Human Rights Council, Amanda took the floor to express solidarity with Iranian women’s right hero Masih Alinejad, whom the Islamic regime in Iran plotted to assassinate on U.S. soil.
“Speaking at the UN on behalf of UN Watch was a truly incredible experience,” says Amanda. “I had an opportunity to work closely with the team at UN Watch on the speech and ensure its delivery was as impactful as possible. When I was actually speaking, I felt truly immersed in the UN as an active participant in the Council.”
Click Here to Watch Amanda’s Speech
Now serving as academic coordinator for Hillel International in Rio de Janeiro, Daphne Klajman has a BA from Saint Mary’s University and an MA from Reichman University. She says that her internship with UN Watch informed her of “the urgent need to confront antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.”
When Hillel Neuer recently visited Brazil to address the 20th anniversary celebration of Hillel International in Rio de Janeiro, he was fortunate to be hosted by Daphne.
Daphne says that her internship with UN Watch in 2020 continues to inform and inspire her work combatting antisemitism as academic coordinator at Hillel Rio. During her internship, she had the opportunity to address the UN Human Rights Council to deplore the concerning human rights record of Kiribati.
Hillel Neuer’s trip to Brazil also resulted in major coverage in the country’s leading media outlets, including Globo, Estadão, Brasil Paralelo, VEJA, and more.
The UN Watch internship program is designed for college students with excellent English skills and an interest in combating antisemitism and anti-Israel bias at the UN.
UN Watch offers three main internship opportunities throughout the year, each of which encompasses one Human Rights Council Session:
1. Spring (February, March, April), Application Deadline: September 30th
2. Summer (May, June, July), Application Deadline: December 31st
3. Fall (September, October, November), Application Deadline: April 30th
The internship is based in Geneva or remotely within one timezone of CET. Interns are expected to commit to a minimum of two months and up to three months.
Click Here to Learn More and Apply
