JBI Library Awards $280,000 in Wolfson Scholarships to 28 Jewish Students Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

NEW YORK (September 22, 2026) — JBI Library, the nonprofit that supports connection to Jewish life for anyone who is blind, has low vision, or has a print disability, has announced the award of $280,000 in Nathan L. and Suzanne K. Wolfson Merit Scholarships to 28 Jewish students who are blind or who have low vision. The 2026–27 class is the program’s largest to date and includes students studying a broad range of subjects at institutions in the United States and Israel.

This year’s cohort of scholars are pursuing degrees and professional credentials in fields including neuroscience, ecology and evolutionary biology, social work, law, computer science, education, psychology, business, music and Jewish studies. They attend institutions across the United States, Israel and the United Kingdom, among them Cornell University, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Georgia, the University of Oregon, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Bar-Ilan University, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and King’s College London.

“This year’s scholars are ambitious, deeply engaged in their communities, and determined to use their education in service of others,” said JBI Library Executive Director Michelle Shapiro Abraham. “We are especially moved by the many recipients who are drawing on their own experiences with disability to pursue careers in science, education, social work, and other fields where they can create opportunities for those who follow. The significant growth of this program allows us to recognize more of these remarkable students and give them greater freedom to concentrate on the work ahead.”

Created in 2018, the Wolfson Merit Scholarship recognizes Jewish undergraduate and graduate students who meet the program’s vision requirements, have distinguished themselves academically, and maintain a meaningful connection to Jewish communal life. With this year’s awards, the program has now provided $776,288 in educational support.

Scholars Advancing Science, Inclusion and Community Service

Among the 2026 recipients is Hannah DeFelice, a Jewish DeafBlind PhD student in ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell University, whose research examines climate change and its effects on natural processes.

“This scholarship is both an incredible honor and a meaningful affirmation of my journey as a Jewish DeafBlind student,” DeFelice said. “My research is focused on furthering our understanding of climate change and its impacts on natural processes, while demonstrating that disability is not a barrier to excellence in science. It also reminds me that I am part of a community that values learning, perseverance and the unique perspectives that Blind and Low-Vision Jewish students bring to academia and beyond.”

In Israel, Carmel Arama, the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, is studying music at the Rimon School of Music. She has long volunteered in schools and municipal programs, using music to help younger generations connect with Jewish history and tradition.

“I have never allowed my blindness to keep me apart from my peers or my community,” Arama said. “Instead, I have worked to educate the younger generation about blindness, inclusion and the acceptance of people with special needs. I believe that understanding and empathy create stronger, more compassionate communities.”

Fellow Israeli recipient Ziv Cohen, a blind mother of two, is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev while working to help residents of Sderot recover from the trauma of October 7.

“As a blind woman and a single mother of two children who is self-funding my master’s in social work, this award means a lot to me,” Cohen said. “It allows me to continue my studies and ultimately keep serving the people of Sderot as they heal from October 7, which has become my life’s mission.”

Other recipients are preparing to become teachers, mental health professionals, attorneys, researchers, technology specialists, and community leaders. Several are parents or first-generation university students, and many described the scholarship as both practical assistance and an affirmation that their abilities, work, and aspirations are valued.

Each Wolfson Scholarship provides at least $2,500, with award levels determined annually according to available funding and the applicant pool. Past recipients may apply again in subsequent years.

Applications for the next scholarship cycle will open on December 1, 2026. Details, eligibility requirements and profiles of the 2026 recipients are available at jbilibrary.org/wolfson.

Meet the 2026 Wolfson Merit Scholars

In the United States

Cornell University

• Hannah DeFelice, PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Spalding University

• Jack McPadden, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

University of Arizona

• Sofia Ripstein, Bachelor’s in Psychology

University of California, Berkeley

• Daniel Solomon, PhD in History and Jewish Studies

University of Georgia

• Elliot Lapp, Bachelor’s in Finance

University of Oregon

• Jaxson Winter, Bachelor’s in Biology and Genetics

University of Utah

• Taylor Rohrbaugh, Bachelor’s in Business

In Israel

Bar-Ilan University

• Abraham Melamed, Bachelor’s in Social Work
• Gili Haviv, Bachelor’s in High-Tech Studies and Economics
• Meshi Ben Oz, Master of Science in Neuroscience

University of Ben-Gurion 

• Rahel Hen Kimhi, Master’s in Social Work
• Ziv Cohen, Master’s in Social Work

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Alon Peretz, Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Statistics
• Joanne Kolker, Master’s in Social Work

Ashkelon Academic College

• Lior Ashwal, Bachelor’s in Social Work

HEMDAT

• Dana Ora Hacmeha Bardea, Professional Certificate in Remedial Education

Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance

• Hillel Melamed, Bachelor’s in Classical Music Performance

Kibbutzim College of Education

• Sunny Krimsky, Associate Degree in Remedial English Education

Ono Academic College

• Kineret Abarjel, PhD in Organizational Consultation and Development

Open University of Israel

• Tal Koby, Master’s in Education Technologies and Learning Systems

Reichman University

• Shaked Levy, Bachelor’s in Law and Psychology

Rimon School of Music

• Carmel Arama, Bachelor’s in Music

University of Haifa

• Or Gal, Master’s in Law

In the UK

King’s College London

• Idan Ben Ari, Master’s in War Studies with a specialization in Conflict Resolution

About JBI

Founded in 1931, JBI Library is a nonprofit organization that supports anyone who is blind, has low vision, or has a print disability so that they may fully participate in Jewish life—from education and community to prayer and celebration. More than a source for books and texts—JBI is the heart of a community where patrons can come for resources, cultural programs, learning, and all things that connect people to Jewish faith, culture, and community. JBI strives to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion, so that everyone can read, learn, and engage independently and with dignity. To learn more, visit www.jbilibrary.org.

About the Nathan L. Wolfson Scholarship

The Nathan L. and Suzanne K. Wolfson Merit Award, established in 2018, is an annual scholarship program honoring the legacy of Nathan L. Wolfson and Suzanne K. Wolfson. Awarded by the Wolfson Fund, this scholarship recognizes academically exceptional Jewish students who are legally blind or low vision. The program offers awards ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, supporting high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students around the world.

For more information, please visit jbilibrary.org/about-us/wolfson.

Media Inquiries

Jessica Barist Cohen
Chatham Strategies
Jessicac@chatham-strategies.com