skip to main content
66e2f378809583b107b71017_IMG_1948

On October 7, 2023, while I was celebrating my 17th birthday, tragedy struck Israel, igniting a war that continues today. As my upcoming 18th birthday will surely feel different than in years past, I’ve launched “My Birthday Project” to evoke a sense of positivity on this day. Instead of celebrating in the usual way, I’ve partnered with a youth village I visited in Israel, Yemin Orde, to ensure that their 400 at-risk and immigrant children have the chance to celebrate their birthdays.

Yemin Orde has long been a sanctuary for children who have faced trauma, poverty, and hardship. By raising $10,000, I hope to provide each child with a special birthday celebration, a reminder that they are loved and valued.

As a committed BBYO leader, I’ve spent years building connections and empowering communities through leadership, communication, and teamwork. From organizing large-scale conventions to leading social media campaigns and serving as Greater Atlanta Region’s N’siah, BBYO has taught me the power of community and the importance of creating opportunities for others.

I believe that by harnessing the power of the network I’ve cultivated through BBYO and beyond, I can inspire others to join me in making a difference.

For just $25, you can give one child at Yemin Orde the gift of joy on their birthday. With your support, we can reach the goal of ensuring that every child there has the chance to feel special on their big day.

This project is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a way to extend the values I’ve embraced in BBYO and apply them to a cause that can have a lasting impact on the lives of children. Together, let’s spread joy and make birthdays brighter for kids who need it most.

Please help me reach $10,000 which would give all 400 students the chance to have the special days that they deserve by donating here. Thank you, BBYO, for your support today and always.

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

Explore More Stories

Group of people celebrating on stage
Opinion
Junior Year College Tips

College can be stressful and hard to plan, here are some tips!

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
Sophia Loew Scotch Plains, New Jersey, United States
Group of people celebrating on stage
Identity
The People of The Book: Now on an App

Technology is changing how Jewish teens study, pray, and express their identity, bringing both new connections and new challenges for our traditions.

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
Max Shane Richmond, Virginia, United States
Group of people celebrating on stage
Identity
Being Enough in a Movement That Does So Much

An article about redefining what it means to be involved in BBYO, overcoming FOMO, and recognizing that your value and identity are not defined by how much you do, but by who you are and the impact you make.

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
Claire Pawlak Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States