The Jewish Youth Assembly (JYA) is a multi-day conference for students aged 15-18 to learn about Jewish communities around the world and discuss the most pressing issues facing the Jewish people today. Replicating the World Jewish Congress’s (WJC), structure, students at JYA gain an inside look into the WJC process and build techniques to problem-solve issues of concern to the Jewish community across the world. The conference allows students to collaboratively work to represent specific communities, conduct research on their history, learn about the issues the WJC is tackling, and speak directly to represented communities and expert leaders. This interactive experience culminates in crucial reports that serve as the collective voice of Jewish youth across the world in day-to-day deliberations of the World Jewish Congress.
In 2023, 80 students from over 24 countries came together to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing Jewish communities today. Together, they drafted 6 resolutions, networked with their peers from around the world, met leaders of Jewish communities, and heard from world renowned speakers. You can learn more about last year's Jewish Youth Assembly by clicking here.
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 will take place virtually on 26 February and 5 March 2023. Both days will range from 3-5 hours in length. Each session introduces students to new information, allows participants to engage with community leaders and topic experts, or discuss pressing questions related to our Jewish future. In between sessions, students will have time to learn about other opportunities, network with their peers, and meet Jewish leaders from the World Jewish Congress network. In between the two Sundays, students will have opportunity to learn valuable skills related to public speaking, writing resolutions, and diplomacy through on-demand video sessions made available exclusively to JYA participants.
Session 1
A welcome to the Jewish Youth Assembly with the World Jewish Congress.
Session 2
Meet with your Jewish community delegation and hear from top Jewish leaders of your community.
Session 3
Introduction to your committee, learn about the issue at hand with topic experts.
Weekday On-Demand Session 1
Learn how to develop and draft resolutions
Weekday On-Demand Session 2
Meet with public speaking experts
Weekday On-Demand Session 3
Learn what diplomacy means in 2023
Session 4
Meeting with your community delegation and bringing committee topics into the perspective of the Jewish communities.
Session 5
Reconvene with your committee and finalize your resolutions.
Session 6
Meeting of the full Jewish Youth Assembly, featuring plenary speakers, presentation of resolutons, and more.
JYA is open to individuals aged 15-18 years. 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.
Applications for JYA 2023 are open. If you have any inquiries, please email jya@wjc.org.
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.
Member of the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps
Member of the WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps
Former WJC Ronald S. Lauder Fellow
Former WJC Ronald S. Lauder Fellow
WJC Ronald S. Lauder Fellow
Senior Manager, WJC NextGen
Coordinator, WJC NextGen
Operations Manager, WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps
Content Manager, World Jewish Congress
Coordinator, WJC NextGen
Coordinator, WJC NextGen
NextGen Communications Coordinator