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Local Teen Receives International Recognition: Jewish Teen Leader of the Year Award
April 2024
In a significant acknowledgment of youth leadership and dedication to community service, Charlotte's very own Aliya Martin has been recognized with the Jewish Teen Leader of the Year award. Aliya's exceptional efforts in spearheading the local CTeen chapter and her substantial contributions to the community have set her apart from hundreds of thousands of Jewish teens worldwide, earning her this international accolade. The announcement was made at the CTeen International Summit, where Aliya was celebrated for her inspiring role in motivating teens around the world.
Aliya's journey with CTeen began as one of the founding members of the Charlotte chapter, quickly rising to the role of president. Under her leadership, the chapter has seen remarkable growth, expanding its membership significantly and inspiring participation in summer programs. Aliya's initiative didn't stop there; she founded a Jewish culture club at her school to celebrate Jewish holidays with both Jewish and non-Jewish students alike. Her voice has been a staple at numerous Israel solidarity events, marking her as a fervent advocate for Jewish pride and community engagement.
Rabbi Levi and Bluma Cohen, Aliya's mentors, and leaders of CTeen Charlotte, as well as program directors Tonya Tessler and Breindel Piekarski, praised her dynamic leadership and the positive impact she's had on her peers. "Aliya's passion and dedication to fostering a vibrant Jewish community are truly inspirational. Her efforts have not only strengthened Jewish identity among local teens but have also created a welcoming space for celebrating our heritage," Rabbi Levi Cohen stated.
In her acceptance speech, Aliya expressed her gratitude and reflected on her journey. "Thank you, everyone. I am incredibly honored to receive this award.
CTeen has been a pivotal part of my life, helping me embrace my Jewish identity and develop into the leader I am today. My experiences with CTeen have instilled in me a profound sense of Jewish pride, and I am deeply thankful for the support and encouragement from everyone involved," Aliya remarked.
Highlighting the broader significance of Aliya's work, especially in the wake of the events of October 7, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky added, “In today's world, where young individuals often seek meaningful ways to make a difference, Aliya stands as a shining example. Her dedication to fostering Jewish identity, community service, and leadership among her peers is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the world.”
This year, 3,000 teens from 54 countries participated, joined by 200 Israeli peers, including Nova massacre survivors. The annual Times Square Jewish pride event went viral, amassing millions of social media views. Participants engaged in workshops on leadership, mental health, and combating antisemitism. The Jewish Teen Leader of the year was announced at the inspirational closing ceremony event. The teens then visited the Rebbe’s Ohel, adding a spiritual dimension. The goal of the 16th annual CTeen Shabbaton: strengthen Jewish pride and identity, empowering teens like Aliya to lead in their communities back home.
CTeen Charlotte, led by Rabbi Levi and Bluma Cohen, is part of the Chabad Teen Network, the world's largest network of Jewish teenagers, encompassing over 730 chapters in 58 countries across six continents. Focused on empowering Jewish teenagers to become leaders in their communities through acts of kindness, community service, and a strong commitment to their values, CTeen is transforming the landscape of Jewish teen engagement.
