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) brings together passionate Jewish students aged 15–18 to explore global Jewish communities, tackle real-world challenges, and make their voices heard. Inspired by the World Jewish Congress (WJC), JYA offers a behind-the-scenes look at international Jewish advocacy while building leadership and problem-solving skills. Participants will join a virtual kickoff session in January before meeting in person at BBYOIC in Philadelphia for an exclusive JYA track, where delegates will gain practical tools and work together to draft a resolution on a key issue shaping the Jewish future.

In 2026, 40 students from over 16 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

The 2026 Jewish Youth Assembly cohort will meet for an online virtual session in February before IC. During BBYO IC 2026 in Philadelphia, JYA delegates will attend exclusive Wednesday and Thursday programming as a part of February Executives Conference, a Friday LEADS Track, and a Saturday Limmud and Luncheon.

Learn & Plan

February // Session 1

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

BBYO IC // Session 2

Be a full participant at BBYOIC 2026 and meet friends from over 50 countries around the world!

BBYO IC // Session 3

Attend exclusive JYA sessions with top notch speakers.

Meet & Draft

BBYOIC // Session 4

Deep dive into the 2026 JYA resolution. 

BBYOIC // Session 5

Hard skills workshop.

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 attending BBYO International Convention. Proficiency in English is necessary to participate. Applications are now closed.

Jewish Youth Assembly by the Numbers in 2026
40
Students
16
Countries
1
Resolutions
10
Sessions

JYA Resolution 2026

JYA 2025 Resolution

JYA 2024 Resolution

JYA 2023 Resolutions

JYA 2022 Resolutions

Our Partner

BBYO logo

BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences.