During IC, our Movement had the opportunity to close out our week together. We gathered in the dining hall with over 3,400 teens representing 52 countries. It was truly amazing to see everyone come together to celebrate Havdalah. Our steerers and teen leaders stood on the stage in white and commanded the room.

To celebrate Havdalah, we sang songs. The whole room was overjoyed to start the new week together. Everyone was on their feet, ringing in what’s yet to come. I looked around, and everyone was singing, wrapping their arms around their friends, and beaming with a happy glow.

During the ceremony, we shared AZA and BBG rituals, taking turns to showcase each siblinghood and its individuality. Logan and Mercedes urged us, the teens, to have courage and be brave, emphasizing that our time is now. Now, more than ever, teens need to speak up and use their voices. Now, more than ever, teens need to take back what it means to practice democracy.

In addition, we heard from October 7th hostage Omer Wenkert and Holocaust survivor Bill Schrimmer. Their stories and words of wisdom served as a reminder to always have Jewish pride. They encouraged us to wear our Jewish identities with confidence. Never taking anything for granted, they urged us to continue using our voices and to be advocates within the Jewish community.