Jewish Youth Assembly - World Jewish Congress

Learn about global Jewry. Engage in the issues facing Jewish communities today. Make your voice heard.

Table of contents

About

The Jewish Youth Assembly (JYA) is a platform for students aged 15-18 to explore global Jewish communities and discuss pressing issues. Modeled after the World Jewish Congress (WJC), JYA gives students insights into WJC operations and problem-solving skills. Accepted participants will meet virtually each month in November, December, and January to deepen their understanding of the global Jewish community and the impact of October 7th, as well as how to draft a resolution. The program culminates in a JYA track at BBYO IC, where delegates will learn practical skills and draft a resolution addressing a key issue facing global Jewry.

To be considered for JYA 2025, interested high school students must submit the application below, with top candidates being invited to interview for one of the open slots. Accepted delegates from the World Jewish Congress will receive a full scholarship to cover the registration cost of BBYO IC, including food and accommodation. Applications will close September 2.

In 2024, 60 students from over 40 countries came together to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing Jewish communities today. Together, they drafted a resolution, networked with their peers from around the world, met leaders of Jewish communities, and heard from world-renowned speakers at BBYOIC. You can learn more about last year's Jewish Youth Assembly by clicking here.

In 2023, the World Jewish Congress and BBYO joined forces in an exciting and strategic partnership aimed at elevating the next generation of Jewish leaders, both in high school and beyond. This dynamic collaboration brings forth an extraordinary initiative: the in-person Jewish Youth Assembly (JYA) experience. JYA was conceived with a clear mission in mind—enhancing the education of high school Jewish student leaders while also introducing them to the broader global Jewish community and the shared challenges we face. This partnership serves as a catalyst to advance JYA's mission.

Learn more about BBYO International Convention here.

What a student can expect

Gain an understanding of global Jewish communities

Meet topic experts and Jewish community leaders

Network with peers from countries around the world

Engage in detailed conversation on the future of the Jewish people

Learn from today’s top Jewish voices

Build your CV and prepare for your university experience

The Jewish Youth Assembly Breakdown

This years Jewish Youth Assembly will meet monthly in November, December, and January virtually, and culminate at BBYO IC in Denver, Colorado from 13-17 February 2025. To be considered for JYA 2025, interested high school students must submit the application below, with top candidates being invited to interview for one of the open slots. Accepted delegates will receive a full scholarship to cover the registration cost of BBYO IC, including food and accommodation. 

Learn & Plan

November // Session 1

A welcome to the Jewish Youth Assembly and deep dive into the World Jewish Congress.

December // Session 2

Hard skills workshop

January // Session 3

Deep dive into the 2025 JYA resolution topic. 

Meet & Draft

BBYOIC // Session 4

Be a full participant at BBYOIC and meet friends from over 50 countries around the world

BBYOIC // Session 5

Attend exclusive JYA sessions with top-notch speakers

BBYOIC // Session 6

Draft a resolution addressing one of the most pressing issues facing the global Jewish community

Application

JYA is open to individuals aged 15-18 years. An exception is available for those outside that age range but completing their last two years of high school/secondary school. Proficiency in English is necessary to participate.

Jewish Youth Assembly by the Numbers in 2024
60
Students
40
Countries
1
Resolutions
12
Sessions

Resolution passed in 2024

Resolutions passed in 2023

Resolutions passed in 2022

Partners

JYA Working Group

The development of the Jewish Youth Assembly would not be possible without the hard work and contributions of the JYA Working Group. This group of individuals, including members of the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps and WJC Lauder Fellows, have contributed countless hours to building a strong and impactful program.

Chaya Pomeranz-Sherman

Member of the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps

Elmira Tarivierdiieva

Member of the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps

Jake Benyowitz

Former WJC Ronald S. Lauder Fellow

Liat Sadovitch

Former WJC Ronald S. Lauder Fellow

Nechama Huba

WJC Ronald S. Lauder Fellow

Yoni Hammerman

Senior Manager, WJC NextGen

Eli Zaidman

Coordinator, WJC NextGen

Isaac Choua

Operations Manager, WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps

Jacob Fishman

Content Manager, World Jewish Congress

Rebecca Schneider

Coordinator, WJC NextGen

Linzee Zalta

Coordinator, WJC NextGen

Michal Cohen

NextGen Communications Coordinator