Wayne
Jay Klitofsky
Nickname: The Go-To Jew
Age: 20
where he’s at now:
Majoring in political science with a focus on international
relations at UCSD. He’s also pursuing minors in Middle East studies
and economics.
why he’s on this list:
For anyone involved in Jewish activities at UCSD, Klitofsky
is the “go-to Jew.” He’s president of the San Diego
Israel Alliance, campus political coordinator for AIPAC, outreach representative
for the Union of Jewish Students and president of Alpha Epsilon Pi. “Judaism
has always been the foundation of who I am,” says the South African-born,
La Jolla-raised sophomore. “When I look in the mirror, I know I’m
Jewish and I’m proud of that. It’s a huge part of who I am,
and it’s a huge part of every relationship I’ve ever had with
any person in this world.”
no nagging parents, just nagging questions:
“Would I be more effective here continuing with what
I do or going to Israel and fighting in the IDF?” he asks. “As
a Jewish young man, I cannot put into words how important the state of
Israel is to the Jewish people. The people of Israel put their lives on
the line for people like myself in the United States, who can sit pretty
in La Jolla and live this great, wonderful life while they’re in
the territories fighting for Israel’s survival. It’s... the
idea of being there, standing up for Israel and supporting a country that
I feel so strongly about.”
where will he be in 18 years?
“I hope to be the U.S. ambassador to Israel,”
he proclaims, adding that, after graduating in 2006, he intends to go
to law school. “I definitely see myself staying involved on the
pro-Israel front.”
For feedback, contact editor@sdjewishjournal.com.