Today we want to recognize our Grand Aleph Shaliach, Naftali Tilove, and International Sh'licha, Lotem Kalderon, for sharing their October 7, 2023, stories and experiences on our social media platforms. 

Naftali wrote a piece called Standing Together in which he discussed where he was when he first heard about the attacks and the impact of his community during that challenging time. In Choosing Hope, Lotem described what it was like to experience October 7 first in Israel, from hearing the sirens to her community coming together in a time of fear and uncertainty. This was a post made with vulnerability, and will help our members feel safe, and respected in BBYO. 

What makes their leadership so impactful is that they're willing to share such deeply personal stories with our Movement. Rather than just reminding us of what happened, they're giving us insight into the feelings and experiences behind a day that impacted Jewish communities across the globe. Living in a world where antisemitism has impacted almost all of us, it’s great to have such an amazing Shaliach and Sh’licha. We recognize the effort our Sh'lichim put into making sure that all Jews in BBYO feel like they are in a safe spot. They filled this organization with pride, peace, and hope for the Jewish community.

Our Sh'lichim pour so much into BBYO, and honestly, they don’t always get the recognition they deserve. You’ll find them constantly searching for ways to bring Jewish teens together, celebrate our identities, and make sure everyone feels proud of who they are. Whether they’re running thoughtful programs, passing on Jewish traditions, or simply finding creative ways for teens to connect with their Judaism — they’re always working hard to make BBYO a welcoming space. It’s way more than just event planning. They build an environment where Jewish teens from all kinds of backgrounds feel understood, supported, and part of something bigger.

What really stands out to me and my region is how our Sh'lichim make Judaism personal and meaningful. Not every Jewish teen shares the same experiences or traditions, and our Sh’lichim totally get that. They figure out how to bring us all together while still highlighting what makes each of our stories unique. Like when Naftali and Lotem share their own stories — it’s such a good example of real leadership. It’s not just about scheduling programs or holding a title. It’s about opening up, starting important conversations, and helping people feel less alone.

So, thank you to Naftali, Lotem, and every Sh'lichim across our movement. Most of their hard work happens quietly, behind the scenes, but we shouldn’t overlook it. Their dedication shapes BBYO into a place where Jewish teens can learn, grow, make friends, and feel proud of who they are. Seriously, we’re lucky to have leaders who genuinely care about making a difference in our community.