More than 60 students from 40 countries gathered from February 11-19 for the first-ever in-person, and third annual Jewish Youth Assembly (JYA) in Orlando, Florida on the sidelines of BBYO International Convention (BBYOIC). During the week-long program, participants heard from Jewish leaders from around the world and discussed with each other the most pressing issues facing world Jewry.
This year’s Jewish Youth Assembly comes weeks after the World Jewish Congress and BBYO launched a strategic partnership aimed at elevating the next generation of Jewish leaders, both in high school and beyond.
Students selected for this year’s JYA attended BBYO’s full range of programming and activities while also engaging in high-level discussions with their peers and WJC staff.
During their JYA experience, participants gained valuable insights into BBYO's democratic processes by attending the February Execs conference. At this event, region and country presidents deliberated on resolutions shaping the future of BBYO. Additionally, had a unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center where they heard from a Head Disney Imagineer who spoke about the power of creativity in problem solving. Participants also attended skill-building sessions hosted by WJC and BBYO Staff, on topics ranging from lobbying and advocacy skills, public speaking workshops, diplomacy, and more.
Throughout the week, JYA Delegates joined special ‘JYA huddles,’ introducing and deliberating important topics pertinent to the Jewish world. On Friday evening, an exclusive dessert reception Shabbat Oneg was held for JYA, with an engaging conversation focusing on the importance of Jewish values and Jewish leadership today.
The JYA program culminated with the deliberations and drafting of the 2024 resolution titled “Ensuring a Vibrant Jewish Future” which holds 5 subsections: Tackling New Forms of Antisemitism, Opposing Denial and Distortion of Jewish Trauma, Fostering Jewish Life in the Diaspora, Combatting Global Terror, and Strengthening Jewish Unity. During the closing plenary, the delegates presented the 2024 JYA resolution in front of 3,700 of their peers from around the world, underscoring the importance of Jewish teens uniting and taking proactive steps to shape a brighter future for the Jewish community.
Hear from JYA Delegates What Makes the Jewish Youth Assembly Unique:
Watch the Presentation of 2024 JYA Resolution at the BBYOIC Closing Plenary:
2024 JYA Program
Sunday, February 11
Welcome to JYA
WJC staff welcomed JYA delegates to Cape Canaveral, Florida for the first in-person meet up of JYA delegates.
Monday, Febrary 12
WJC and BBYO Partnership Presented at Opening Ceremony
The World Jewish Congress and BBYO partnership was presented at the opening plenary of Global Ambassador Week, where WJC staff spoke about the World Jewish Congress and WJC NextGen in front of 500 teens
WJC Coaches & Supports BBYO Teens
WJC NextGen staff coached BBYO teens ahead of their workshops on how become a leader and manage a team, how to build a healthy relationship with social media, and public speaking.
Tuesday, February 13
WJC Staff Coaches & Supports BBYO Teen-led Session
WJC NextGen staff coached BBYO teens leading workshops on how to combat antisemitism, how to build a convention/program, and how to determine your goals and accomplish them.
Wednesday, February 14
WJC Staff gives Keynote Remarks at BBYO February Exec Meeting
During the opening of the February Execs Conference, WJC Director of Political Affairs and BBYO Alum David Meluskey addressed the Executive Body of BBYO where he spoke about his journey from a member of BBYO to working at the World Jewish Congress.
JYA Delegates Huddle
The JYA delegation meet and deliberate on their resolution committees, kicking off the process of drafting the 2024 resolution.
Thursday, February 15
Creative Problem Solving at Nasa
During the second part of the February Execs Conference at the Kennedy Space Center, WJC Staff and JYA delegates made their way to Kennedy Space Center for a day of creativity and problem solving.
WJC Workshop on Advocacy @ NASA
At Kennedy Space Center, WJC Director of Political Affairs, David Meluskey, gave a session titled “Advocacy Unlocked: Lobbying with Impact,” where he broke down how to effectively advocate for a cause and lobby strategically.
WJC Workshop on Diplomacy @ NASA
WJC NextGen Diplomacy Manager and International Officer Elizaveta Zaidman led a session titled “Building Bridges: An Introduction to Diplomatic Skills,” where she imparted valuable lessons to the teens on applying diplomatic skills in their daily interactions
Friday, February 16
JYA Shabbat Oneg
During an exclusive JYA Shabbat Oneg, delegates had the opportunity to discuss with NextGen members what it means to be a Jewish leader and contemporary responsibilities in 2024. Drawing inspiration from various quotes by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, they explored profound insights and perspectives on leadership within the Jewish community
Saturday, February 17
JYA Resolution Deliberations
JYA delegates convened for the culmination of the JYA program where they discussed and deliberated their committee topic for the creation of the 2024 JYA resolution.
Sunday, February 18
Presentation of the 2024 JYA Resolution
Two JYA delegates presented the 2024 JYA resolution during the closing plenary in front of 3,700 teens.
JYA 2024 Resolution
WJC NextGen
World Jewish Congress NextGen supports and empowers the young leaders who are making a difference in their communities today and trains them to be the changemakers of tomorrow.
WJC NextGen work to ensure that Jewish people around the globe are strong, protected, and united in creating a better world. Through six initiatives, individuals between the age of 15 and 26 can get involved to gain valuable insights, learn new skills, and become of a global network.
WJC x BBYO
The World Jewish Congress and BBYO are partnered 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, which was launched at the largest annual gathering of Jewish teen leaders worldwide, BBYO’s Centennial International Convention (IC) in Orlando, Florida, from February 15-19, 2024, is a testament to our shared dedication to bringing emerging Jewish leaders into the forefront and equipping them with unparalleled training to overcome challenges