World Jewish Congress, BBYO Launch Strategic Alliance To Empower Young Jewish Leaders

NEW YORK — The World Jewish Congress and BBYO are partnering to empower the next generation of Jewish leaders with high-level training and education to prepare them for university life and  the future. This alliance will launch at the largest annual gathering of Jewish teen leaders worldwide, BBYO’s Centennial International Convention (IC) in Orlando, Florida, from February 15-19, 2024.

While at the convention, a select group of 63  students from 40 countries will take part in the Jewish Youth Assembly (JYA), a dynamic World Jewish Congress NextGen initiative that will connect teens from both organizations with the global Jewish community. Participants in the Assembly will delve into the diverse tapestry of Jewish communities around the world as well as engage in meaningful discussions on the most pressing issues confronting Jewish people today, including the surge in global antisemitism, support for Israel, and the legacy of the Holocaust.

Throughout their participation in JYA, delegates will learn and strengthen leadership skills such as public speaking, team management, and navigating social media. They will also represent the collective global voice of Jewish youth to the Executive Committee of the World Jewish Congress.

“Our partnership with the World Jewish Congress exemplifies our organizations’ collective commitment to fostering leadership among Jewish teens who are ready to leave an indelible mark on the world,” said Debbie Shemony, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, BBYO. “We are excited to provide teens with different leadership development opportunities at the local, regional and international levels, as well as the tools and training to develop into dedicated leaders who better our world.”

Daniel Radomski, Head of Strategy and Programs for the World Jewish Congress, said of the new collaboration, “In today's climate, where young Jews confront escalating hatred daily, both within educational settings and in their wider communities, it's absolutely critical to empower them with the necessary skills and resources for an effective response." He added, “This partnership with BBYO is a testament to our dedication to bring emerging Jewish leaders into the forefront and equip them with unparalleled training to overcome challenges. The first ever in-person Jewish Youth Assembly session hosted at BBYO IC will unite young Jewish leaders during times when solidarity and connection are more crucial than ever.”

This is the third year the World Jewish Congress has convened the Jewish Youth Assembly. Previous events have been held online.

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About BBYO
BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. Since its founding nearly 100 years ago, BBYO’s purpose has been to unleash the power of youth. BBYO‘s leadership programs, the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA, high school fraternity) and the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG, high school sorority), have been providing exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences, shaping the confidence and character of hundreds of thousands of alumni who are among the most prominent figures in business, politics, academia, the arts, and Jewish communal life. Together, AZA and BBG form a global Jewish teen movement in over 60 countries around the world that now approaches its centennial anniversary. With year-round activities in hundreds of local communities, a plethora of summer leadership programs, and inspiring worldwide travel experiences, BBYO’s programs enable teens to explore all facets of leadership, service, civic engagement, Israeli education, and Jewish values. For more information on BBYO, please visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

Please note that BBYO should not be referred to as the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization but rather as “BBYO.”

About The World Jewish Congress
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is the international organization representing Jewish communities in 100 countries to governments, parliaments and international organizations. To learn more about the World Jewish Congress please visit our website and connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok.