Avner Gvaryahu, Human Rights Studies M.A. ‘17, is the recipient of the 2025 New Israel Fund’s Human Rights Award, a recognition that highlights his courageous leadership and unwavering commitment to justice. This honor celebrates his years of dedicated advocacy and his powerful work amplifying the voices of those affected by the ongoing conflict, and his desires for peace. Read more about Avner’s professional and academic background below.
Please share a bit about yourself and the work that you do
For the last 15 years, I’ve been part of Breaking the Silence, a group of former Israeli soldiers who speak out against the Israeli occupation. I led the organization for seven years, and I’ve just recently started my PhD at Oxford at the Blavatnik School of Government, where I will focus on the use of AI in war.
What was your research focus during your time at Columbia?
During my time at Columbia, I focused on how rules of engagement applied by soldiers in the West Bank find their way into the practices of police officers in Israel proper.
What else have you done since you graduated from the program?
Besides my work with Breaking the Silence, I’m honored to be part of a team that started a
shoe company producing shoes in the South Hebron Hills of the West Bank. This is done in partnership with a Palestinian women’s cooperative.
Which class would you recommend to students interested in the same issues as you?
Professor Belinda Cooper’s class, International Human Rights Law, was excellent
Where did you grow up? In which countries and/or cities have you lived?
I grew up in Israel, but spent a few years in the US as a young child.
What is a must-read for a human rights student?
Where do we go from here? Chaos or community? By MLK J
