BBYO Annual Report 2024–2025
BBYO is more than a Movement. It’s a launchpad for Jewish teens to discover who they are, come together as leaders, and embrace a Judaism rooted in pride, passion, and purpose, as they shape the future of their communities.
A Letter from Our Leadership
Dear Friends,
A Movement that has been around for more than 100 years must adapt to the times.
BBYO has done this throughout its history in response to moments of change affecting the world and our Jewish community—and last year was no different. As the conflict in the Middle East escalated during what was meant to be a summer of large-scale teen travel to Israel, BBYO made a last-minute pivot and redirected the plans of hundreds of teens to experiences across Europe and other parts of the world, including moving our International Leadership Seminar in Israel (ILSI) to Hungary. These experiences enabled teens to grapple with the historic trauma faced by many European Jewish communities, while learning from those same communities that are building joyful Jewish life today.
Although travel to Israel was restricted, BBYO was committed to including as many Israeli teens as possible in our programs. After spending countless nights running from bedrooms to bomb shelters, their need for connection and community became especially clear. At the same time, Jewish teens in the Diaspora were eager for a deeper understanding of the realities their Israeli peers faced. In summer 2025, 26 Israeli teens joined their peers at International Kallah. Through shared travel, visits to Perlman Camp, and a delegation at BBYO International Convention (IC), teens from Israel and around the world formed bonds in ways only BBYO can facilitate.
IC remains the Jewish community’s greatest gathering of Jewish teens from across the globe. In February, 3,431 delegates came together in Denver, Colorado, for five days of learning and celebration. They were honored to be welcomed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who challenged AZA and BBG leaders to continue developing the leadership skills needed to bring justice to the world. The teens enthusiastically responded with, “Message received, Governor Polis!”
That same weekend, BBYO announced a $2.5 million endowment gift from former International N’siah Sarah Miller McCune to establish The Miller Institute for Democracy. The Institute is designed to equip teens with tools for civic engagement and media literacy; in its pilot phase last year, it supported teen-led voter education drives and launched a Democracy Lab series, where teens debated policy issues through a Jewish ethical lens.
As BBYO expanded into new regions—including Panama, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates—our Movement continued to grow stronger and more diverse, surpassing 35,000 members worldwide. This momentum was also reflected in the continued growth of the BBYO Alumni Association, launched in 2024. More than 4,100 alumni are now engaged through local events, teen programming, and a new digital portal, with hundreds joining at IC, including 45 speakers.
Like many of you, we are inspired daily by the hope and optimism of BBYO teens—the heartbeat of our Movement. Thank you for standing with us. Together, we will ensure BBYO continues to thrive for decades to come.
With gratitude and hope,
Joelle Abaew
80th Anita M. Perlman International N’siah
Matthew Grossman
Chief Executive Officer
Daniel Mezistrano
100th Grand Aleph Godol
Craig Weiss
Board Chair
Our Year in Numbers
From record participation to deeper global connections and expanded alumni engagement, BBYO is evolving in bold and innovative ways to reach and impact more teens worldwide.
$1.47M
$1,471,852 in scholarship dollars were awarded
100,000+
100,000+ hours of volunteer service were performed by teens WORLDWIDE
5,518+
Over 5,518 new members joined this year
6,502+
Over 6,502 teens attended more than 85 conventions
4,100+
4,100+ alumni took part in 50 events & 45 alumni spoke at IC 2025
3,431
3,431 teens from 46 countries joined International Convention 2025
1,778
1,778 teens participated in Summer Programs
1,350
1,350 teens got involved in the International Leadership Network (ILN)
BBYO International Convention 2025 The Summit of Our Year
The largest annual gathering of Jewish teen leaders in the world, this year BBYO International Convention (IC) brought together nearly 5,000 teens and adults from 46 countries, alongside more than 1,000 guests, communal leaders, educators, and speakers. Over five days, attendees engaged in unique experiences that filled them with inspiration, connection, and Jewish pride. IC 2025 included first-time delegations from the Dominican Republic, Japan, Panama, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside thousands of their peers from across the globe.
Innovation, Identity & Connection
Before IC officially began, 480 teens from around the world gathered in Denver for Global Ambassadors Week, a pre-convention leadership summit. Teens created action plans to strengthen Jewish life in their communities, celebrated Shabbat with Denver host families, and collaborated on Movement-building and leadership development initiatives.
The J-Lab (Jewish Learning Lab), an interactive environment designed to immerse teens in Jewish learning, invited delegates to explore the theme of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) through reflection, art, and ritual.
Mini Israel provided a powerful space to celebrate Israeli culture, engage with members of the Druze community, and honor hostages with personal notes expressing hope and solidarity.
In partnership with Maccabi World Union, teens experienced an interactive exhibit, “Unbroken,” highlighting the history of sports in Israel, its role in bringing diverse communities together, and the impact of October 7th.
Teen Leadership in Digital Storytelling
At the IC Film Festival, teens premiered their own films exploring Jewish identity, belonging, and resilience, including the global debut of The Power of Judaism by 16-year-old Harrison Berman, celebrating Jewish pride with an inspiring story of friendship across generations.
The IC Podcast Studio produced 15 teen-led episodes featuring compelling conversations with communal leaders and special guests at IC including Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, Chief Rabbi of Uganda, and Lani Anpo, Native American and Jewish leader and advocate.
The first-ever Creators Corner, developed in partnership with Talk Israel, a social content platform that connects young people through Jewish storytelling, empowered teens to create original short-form content that amplified Jewish teen voices through online advocacy.
More than 170 teens joined the IC Press Corps, BBYO’s teen media team, writing articles for The Shofar, managing social media takeovers, and broadcasting live from IC’s “News Desk” to share real-time updates and reflections with audiences across the globe.
IC 2025 Speaker Lineup
IC 2025 was enriched by a remarkable group of speakers who brought expertise, passion, and perspective to teens throughout the weekend. The lineup below highlights just a few of the alumni, leaders, and innovators who helped shape BBYO International Convention 2025.
Giancarlo Esposito
Actor, Director, and Producer
Nikki Fried*
Florida Democratic Party
*BBYO Alumni
Eden Golan
2024 Eurovision Contestant
Andy Grammar
Artist and Musical Performer
Brett Gursky*
Hollywood Producer
*BBYO Alumni
Samantha Harris
TV Host, Author and Health Coach
Shye Klein
Photojournalist and Nova Survivor
Avi Mayer
Former Editor-in-Chief The Jerusalem Post
Governor Jared Polis
State of Colorado
Ellie Zeiler
Influencer and Activist
Jewish Pride and Resilience
Throughout the year, BBYO teens leaned deeply into their Jewish identity, stood strong in the face of challenges, and explored Israel’s culture and history with leading educators and advocates.
In the U.S., 40 teens from 14 regions gathered in Atlanta for a chapter-focused leadership experience centered on the theme It Starts with the Chapter. The experience reinforced the role of chapters in building Jewish connection and peoplehood across diverse communities.
Over 130 teens from across Europe came together in France for a leadership gathering centered on Jewish unity, including a first-ever Teen Zionist Congress held in Basel, Switzerland, the site of the original World Zionist Congress, exploring the roots and future of Zionism and shared dialogue on Jewish perspectives and global issues.
In October 2024, chapters around the world commemorated October 7th through candlelight vigils, learning circles, and art installations, reaffirming a shared commitment to Jewish life and continuity. As one teen reflected, “We learned that remembrance isn’t only about grief—it’s about standing taller together.”
During J-Serve, the global day of Jewish youth service, teens in 31 countries turned spirit into action, organizing food drives in Atlanta and Buenos Aires, cleaning parks in Bulgaria, and volunteering with displaced families in Israel.
Evolution and Growth
BBYO continues to reimagine how Jewish leadership takes shape through new programs, partnerships, and deepened connections between teens and alumni.
Through the launch of Dialogue Across Differences, a five-part learning series, BBYO equipped teens with practical communication skills for navigating complex conversations—such as ethical dilemmas or political tensions—through a Jewish lens, with several regions translating the training into ongoing chapter-based dialogue circles.
Across regions, Leadership Labs piloted hands-on training in event planning, fundraising, and community outreach, giving teens practical skills in budgeting, public speaking, and partnership-building to help strengthen their home regions.
Despite rising antisemitism, BBYO teens in Toronto demonstrated resilience and leadership by joining thousands of Jews and allies to Walk With Israel and hosting a BBYO alumni booth at the Walk Festival, fostering both community connection and alumni engagement.
The Alumni Association launched the first BBYO Alumni Mentorship Program with 28 pairs of alumni meeting monthly for career advice, coaching, and connectivity across generations. In total, more than 4,100 alumni reconnected at events across the Movement throughout the year.
“Staying involved in BBYO is such a blessing. Not only do I get to help the organization that I care so much about grow, but I also get to see the next generation have the same experiences I did, and nothing makes me feel better than that.”
—Nate G., Mid-America Region Alumnus
Growing Our Global Reach
From local chapters to global communities, BBYO strengthened its role as the worldwide home for Jewish teens. This year brought a wave of historic milestones for teens around the world, from Panama’s first-ever Global Shabbat to the launch of a brand-new BBG chapter in Thailand and a Hanukkah celebration in the United Arab Emirates.
In 2024, Joelle Abaew of Germany made history as BBYO’s first International N’siah from outside North America, a milestone for our Movement.
BBYO Chile and El Salvador expanded J-Serve participation, bringing teens and families together to strengthen intergenerational connections through hands-on service. Volunteers supported local community partners through activities such as visits to senior homes, shared meals, and collaborative projects that fostered connection, care, and mutual learning across generations.
That same spirit of connection extended to Global Shabbat, BBYO’s annual weekend uniting Jewish teens worldwide through shared prayer, song, and celebration. Engaging members in 38 countries, this year’s theme, “Light Over Darkness,” reflected the resilience of Jewish teens.
Inspiring the Leaders of Tomorrow
BBYO teens lead at every level of the Movement—from chapter boards and regional councils to international committees and cross-cultural programs. Whether they’re organizing local service projects, speaking out against discrimination, or shaping BBYO’s global agenda, these young leaders are strengthening Jewish life and shaping the future of their communities.
Leadership Journeys That Begin Locally
In BBYO Mexico, BBG Alexa Mizrahi used public speaking and organizational skills gained through a peer-led BBYO experience in Latin America to launch local chapters. This year, she drew on those same skills to deliver a TEDx talk focused on how BBYO’s teen-led model shapes confident, capable leaders.
In Northern Region East, D.C. Council teens serving as Mazkirim (secretaries) led fundraising and coordinated travel and logistics to bring two teens from BBYO Bulgaria, their sister region, to their regional convention. The initiative was highly successful, strengthening cross-regional connections and demonstrating the impact of local leadership.
International Leadership Network: Advocacy & Activism
This year, 12 BBYO delegates from three countries competed in an international forum, Maimonides Moot Court Competition, exploring Jewish ethics and modern dilemmas. BBYO teams placed first and third in their categories overall, earning recognition for thoughtful, text-based arguments on community responsibility.
“It showed us that Jewish learning isn’t just about study. It’s about shaping how we lead.”
—Ari R., Israel
In partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, BBYO teens on the RISE Up Against Antisemitism cohort created new resources to combat antisemitism and educate their peers across schools and youth movements. As a result of efforts like these, seventy-two percent of members reported that BBYO strengthened their ability to speak confidently about Israel and antisemitism.
“Before this, I felt nervous talking about antisemitism. Now, thanks to BBYO, I know how to use my voice—and facts—to make a difference.”
—Layla B., Great Midwest Region
Fifty-nine fellows from seven countries explored Israel’s history, culture, and global impact through the Global Israel Fellowship, a curriculum developed with the Jewish Agency for Israel. This experience combined virtual seminars and regional gatherings across North America, Europe, and Latin America. Fellows led local Israel-education programs, created teen exchanges, and hosted speakers from across the diaspora.
“It wasn’t just about learning facts. It was about learning connection.”
—Noa L., Mexico
A Summer of Innovation and Inspiration
Engagement with BBYO doesn’t pause when the school year ends—it grows even stronger. This past summer, BBYO Passport, the organization’s global travel arm, saw a significant increase in participation reflecting a growing demand for immersive Jewish experiences abroad. Across BBYO’s camp-based leadership experiences, including CLTC, ILTC, and International Kallah, more than 800 teens built their confidence and deepened their Jewish identity.
At CLTC, where emerging AZA and BBG leaders take the first step in their leadership journey, participants took part in the Community Impact Challenge, designing service projects to implement in their home communities.
At ILTC, where members deepen their leadership skills, peer-mentorship circles paired experienced teen leaders with first-time board members for small-group discussions on inclusive programming, event design, and community building.
One of the summer’s most powerful moments took place at International Kallah when teens traveled to Philadelphia for a program featuring proud alum, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer and remarks from Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, parents of slain hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Teens heard powerful reflections on faith, responsibility, and humanity during times of darkness.
“I’m overwhelmed by the memories, faces, and places that have filled this year in BBYO with more meaning than I could have imagined
—Joelle Abaew, 80th Anita M. Perlman International N’siah
Twenty-six Israeli teens also joined International Kallah where they shared their experiences of daily life in Israel amid war, taught Hebrew songs, and led informal discussions on courage and hope. Several participants described the experience as “bringing Israel closer to camp” and said that “hearing firsthand stories gave our community perspective and strength.”
ILSI, which is usually held in Israel, was rerouted this summer to JDC’s Camp Szarvas in Hungary in response to ongoing travel uncertainty. U.S. teens joined Jewish peers from across Europe and Israel for facilitated dialogue on Jewish peoplehood, shared Jewish ritual, and immersive camp life within an international community.
“Even though we weren’t in Jerusalem, we still felt like one people. We were living Jewish unity in real time because of BBYO.”
—Maya L., Great Midwest Region, ILSI Participant
Impact Stories
Building from the Ground Up
Lila J., Mountain Region
For Lila, building Jewish community meant starting from almost nothing. Growing up in a place with few Jewish teens and no nearby chapter, she often felt disconnected from the vibrant Jewish experiences she saw elsewhere. But through BBYO’s virtual programs, she began meeting other teens from emerging communities who were working through similar challenges.
This year, Lila traveled to Atlanta to join 39 teens from across the country who were determined to create Jewish spaces in places where none existed before. Over several days, they drafted chapter charters, practiced recruitment conversations, and explored how to root BBYO traditions in local culture—all while forming a tight network of peers facing the same uphill climb.
For Lila, the most powerful part of the summit was realizing she wasn’t alone in the work of building something new. As she reflected, “We all came to build something out of nothing for our communities and for each other.”
Back home in Utah, she’s turning that vision into reality—laying the groundwork for a thriving Jewish teen presence in Park City and helping shape what Jewish life can look like in an emerging region.
Finding Purpose through Leadership
Sophia G., Rocky Mountain Region
When Sophia first ran for chapter board, she didn’t win the Morah position she hoped for. Instead, she was selected as her chapter’s Sh’licha—a role she hadn’t planned on taking, but one that kept her connected to the community she loved.
She continued stepping up each election cycle, running for N’siah and later for a regional position. Each time, she faced another loss. With every setback, she questioned herself and wondered whether she still fit into BBYO the way she once had.
But she kept showing up. And over time, she found new opportunities through the International Leadership Network. To her surprise, she was chosen for several roles, including serving as a Global Shabbat Coordinator and taking on projects in Press Corps. Those experiences reminded her that she did have a place in BBYO and that leadership could take many forms.
Eventually, after months of perseverance, Sophia ran again for chapter N’siah—and this time, she won. She wrote that the moment “made all of the losses feel worth it,” showing her that growth can come from the hardest parts of the journey.
Today, Sophia uses her leadership to remind other teens that BBYO has a place for everyone and that no election outcome defines your worth. As she puts it, “You get back what you put in.” She also reflects that BBYO has given her “some of the most amazing opportunities I could ever imagine,” a reminder of how far she’s come by continuing to show up.
Turning Ideas into Impact
Austin F., Hudson Valley Region
When Austin first joined BBYO in ninth grade, he wasn’t expecting it to change his path. He went because his parents wanted him to find a connection to Judaism—but after attending more than once, he found a community he now calls his “second family.”
At his first winter convention, Austin noticed how chaotic meals were, with teens texting and searching for friends across the room. That moment sparked an idea: an app that could create seating plans quickly and easily. Sitting in his hotel room that night, he sketched the first version of Seat Maker on a notepad. At the time, he “barely knew how to code” and had never built an iOS app before.
Through his involvement in AZA, including serving as a Rakkaz and an International Convention Steerer, Austin gained confidence and practical skills. BBYO taught him how to plan, collaborate, and turn ideas into action.
He credits the people he met—from fellow AZA members to peers from around the world—for helping him believe in himself. When Seat Maker launched, it ranked #4 in the country for Lifestyle apps within 24 hours. For Austin, the success confirmed something bigger than the app itself: “This community taught me how to think creatively and how to believe in myself.”
