Po Kukhar - Class of 2026

Hello everyone, I'm Polina Kukhar (or Po)! I am a third year in the Dual Degree program, graduating in 2026. Originally, I am from Bayonne, New Jersey, right across the river from Columbia University! At the moment, I am studying and enjoying Information Science, a refreshing addition to my Digital Culture and Communications degree at Tel Aviv University. This Fall, I am interning in the VC space, where I will be investing in the future of the CEE startup environment. On the side, I am leveraging my tech exposure to explore the biotechnological sector, following my T1 Diabetes diagnosis. At TAU, I am a proud founding member of both the Student Government and TAMID. At CU, I am actively involved in various software clubs and research programs. I play on the women’s soccer teams at both institutions and presently plan to spend a lot of time biking, skiing, and screenwriting. Reach out! My virtual and physical doors are always open to alumni.

Asher Dayanim - Class of 2024

My name is Asher Dayanim, and I am recent graduate of the Tel Aviv University-Columbia University Dual Degree Program, where I specialized in Middle Eastern Studies before completing my Economics degree at Columbia. My time at TAU shaped me immensely. One summer, I taught at Big Idea, summer camp in Zikhron Yaacov, where I had the hardest task of all: dealing with Israeli kids in Hebrew. I also gained unforgettable memories while volunteering at Kibbutz Yotvata for my winter break, immersing myself in the unique communal and Hebrew lifestyle. Currently, I work for an AI fintech called zypl.ai, where I apply my understanding of both Middle Eastern markets and technological innovation to drive financial inclusion. I found this opportunity after I flew to Tajikistan to work with the NGO TajRupt in Khujand. TAU has ingrained in me a sense of adventure and chutzpah that allowed me to pursue these initiatives, and I am eternally grateful for the community it has built for me. Please feel free to reach out, and you can follow along with my IGTV travel vlogs @adayanim !!!

Interests: BioTech, Venture Capital

Email: kukhpo@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Let’s connect!

In the Spotlight

Interests: Tech, Economics, Travel

Email: adayanim7@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Let’s connect!

Ben MiZRAHI - Class of 2026

Hi everyone! My name is Ben Mizrahi, and I am a third-year Dual Degree student. I am currently pursuing degrees in Political Science and Psychology with a Minor in Entrepreneurship from Tel Aviv University. I am passionate about bridging the worlds of politics, finance, law, and international relations, aiming to drive impactful change on both global and local scales. Professionally, I have had the opportunity to work across a variety of dynamic roles—most recently as a Corporate Investments Analyst at OurCrowd, a venture capital firm, where I researched market trends and built investor pipelines and as an Executive Intern with Franchise Group Inc., where I evaluated acquisition deals and analyzed financial statements. These experiences, along with my time as a summer intern for Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, have sharpened my understanding of the intersections between finance, policy, and law. At Tel Aviv University, I was a founding member and the former Director of Consulting for the TAMID Group, and also founded and served as the first President of the TAU Student Council, where I led initiatives to amplify student voices and foster community. Looking ahead, I’m excited to apply these experiences to a career in finance, corporate law, and, eventually hopefully public service. I’m always eager to connect with as many people as I can––as every individual has a myriad of different experiences and opinions to bring to the table––and I believe diverse conversations and dialogue are the backbone of innovation, healthy societies, and true friendships. Please always feel free to reach out with whatever you may want to talk about or ask!