Early Life and First Steps Toward Israel
Gabriel Lerner grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, in a Syrian Jewish community. Israel was always present in his life culturally and emotionally, and many students from his background pursue short programs in Israel, such as MASA. This was originally Gabriel’s plan as well.
“In my last year of high school, something just clicked in my mind. I thought, maybe I should apply to Israel for a longer experience. So I submitted an application to the Technion.”
Technion and the Turning Point
Gabriel began Mechanical Engineering in English at the Technion in Haifa. After some time, he considered transferring into Biomedical Engineering, a program that would be fully in Hebrew and require maintaining a high average, as is typical for transfer tracks.
That period pushed him academically, but also gave him space to reflect. Over several semesters, he realized the path was not the right fit.
“I was doing it, but I wasn’t really interested in it anymore. I found myself enrolling in an online course in finance and economics.”
That course became a turning point. It connected directly to something that had been in the background since his time in Brazil, a long-standing interest in finance. In São Paulo, many engineering students follow a similar pattern, using engineering as a stepping stone into finance or business. Gabriel recognized that same trajectory in himself.
Eventually, he made the decision to leave engineering and move toward business and economics.
New Direction at Reichman University
In fall 2025, Gabriel began studying Business and Economics at Reichman University. The degree focuses on finance, economics, and how they connect to global markets, politics, and business strategy, along with subjects such as marketing and mathematics. In his third year, he plans to specialize in finance.
“I always knew I wanted to work with finance or investing in some way.”
Life in Israel and Personal Growth
Gabriel is open about not knowing whether he will stay in Israel long term. His family is still in São Paulo, and he also has a strong attachment to life there, which makes the decision complex. Still, he values the experience deeply.
“Living abroad changes you. You meet people from all over. You learn how to handle things on your own in your daily life. I’m learning how to cook! I know I will be a better professional because of all of this.”
He also notes how much he has grown through learning a new language and the challenges that come through living during a time of war.
Gabriel and friends enjoying the local beach
Campus Life and Community
At Reichman, Gabriel enjoys the international environment, large classes, and close campus living. “I can literally wake up right before class,” he says.
But for him, one word defines campus life more than anything else: networking.
“That’s the word you hear all the time on campus – networking.”
Gabriel is active in investment and debate clubs, which he says have become a major part of his experience outside the classroom. He describes a strong culture of connection on campus, especially among students interested in business and finance. “You meet people and think maybe one day we’ll build something together or run a business together,” he says.
He also highlights the strong student and Jewish community life on campus, including Shabbat gatherings at “Gissin,” the community shul, and initiatives that have made religious life more accessible.
“The Jewish life on and off campus wasn’t like this a few years ago. It’s really grown.”
Gabriel (front and center), at the Dabah Synagogue on campus, amongst students from 12 different countries
Looking back, Gabriel sees his journey as transformative.
“I’d rather know I tried than wonder what would’ve happened if I didn’t,” he says.