Gavriel Buchwald (YC '26) reflects on his summer internship with Lord Andrew Roberts.

What were the main tasks you undertook during your internship or fellowship? 

During my internship with Lord Andrew Roberts, I worked as a historical research assistant on his book Expulsion and Its Consequences, which examines the history of the expulsion of Jewish communities and the long-term political, economic, and cultural consequences that many countries experienced after expelling their Jewish populations. My responsibilities included conducting historical research, writing a section of the book on the 1290 expulsion of the Jews from England, reviewing the manuscript for spelling and grammatical errors, fact-checking historical claims, and providing general editorial feedback. In addition, I researched and wrote an essay for the Hoover Institution on Winston Churchill’s understanding of liberty as expressed through his speeches.

What were your research areas or key work objectives? 

My research focused primarily on Jewish history, political history, intellectual history, and the relationship between ideas and historical events. While researching the 1290 English expulsion, I examined the political, economic, and religious factors that contributed to the removal of England’s Jewish population and the consequences that followed. More broadly, the book’s central question asked whether societies that expelled their Jewish communities ultimately harmed themselves by losing important sources of economic activity, intellectual contribution, and cultural diversity.

My work on Churchill explored a different but related set of themes. I analyzed how Churchill understood and articulated the concept of liberty through his speeches and how those ideas shaped his political leadership. Both projects required me to examine how ideas influence historical decisions and how those decisions can have consequences that extend far beyond their immediate context.

Which skills did you improve or develop during this experience? 

This internship strengthened several important skills. First, I improved my historical research abilities by working extensively with primary and secondary sources and by synthesizing large amounts of information into concise and coherent arguments. Second, I developed my academic writing skills by contributing original research to a book manuscript and by writing an essay intended for publication through the Hoover Institution. Third, I strengthened my editing skills through fact-checking, proofreading, and critically evaluating a full manuscript. Finally, I improved my ability to communicate complex historical ideas clearly and effectively for different audiences.

Describe one or two significant discoveries or accomplishments. Were there tasks that surprised or particularly challenged you? 

One of my most significant accomplishments was writing the section on the 1290 expulsion of the Jews from England. Contributing original research to a book by a distinguished historian was both exciting and challenging. It required me to balance historical detail with broader analytical arguments while ensuring that every claim was thoroughly documented.

Another accomplishment was writing an essay on Churchill’s understanding of liberty. I found it particularly interesting to trace how Churchill’s conception of freedom evolved across different speeches and historical contexts. 

What surprised me most was the editorial process. Reviewing an entire manuscript for factual accuracy, grammar, and consistency demonstrated how much work goes into publishing a major historical study. It gave me a greater appreciation for the collaborative nature of academic research and writing.

How did your experience as a Straus Scholar influence or impact your research or work? 

My experience as a Straus Scholar had a significant impact on my work. The Straus Center emphasizes close reading, thoughtful analysis, and engagement with foundational texts and ideas. Those principles directly shaped the way I approached both projects. My coursework in history and my experience writing an honors thesis also prepared me to conduct independent research, evaluate competing interpretations, and construct evidence-based arguments. In many ways, this internship allowed me to apply the research and analytical skills I developed through the Straus program in a professional setting.

Why do you believe this work is important, and why should other Straus Scholars consider pursuing similar research or internships? 

I believe this work is important because it demonstrates how historical ideas and decisions continue to shape societies over long periods of time. The history of Jewish expulsions raises important questions about religious tolerance, political decision-making, and the consequences of exclusion. Similarly, Churchill’s understanding of liberty remains relevant to contemporary discussions about democracy, leadership, and individual rights. I would strongly encourage other Straus Scholars to pursue similar research opportunities. Internships that involve original research provide valuable experience that extends beyond the classroom. They allow students to work closely with scholars, contribute to meaningful projects, strengthen their writing and analytical abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of how historical scholarship is produced.