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BBYO International Convention and new officers for Virginia Council
At BBYO International Convention 2020 in Dallas, Texas, more than 3,000 teen leaders from 45 countries joined together for five days of leadership development, community building, and celebration. From incredible learning and service opportunities to spectacular speakers and performances, IC 2020 brought teens together from every corner of the globe to declare “Tomorrow Happens Here.”
Thirteen Tidewater BBYO teens were part of this experience.
At the convention, BBYO teen
Virginia Council BBYO elects new officers AZA and BBG presidents are both from Tidewater.
Danial Watts— AZA Godol Emily Kesser— BBG N’siah Blake Brown— AZA Moreh Yael Schranz— BBG Mazkirah
leadership unanimously passed legislation affirming that mental health and wellness are priorities. Leveraging BBYO’s unique global platform, teens will work together to foster inclusion, raise awareness, and combat stigmas at chapter and regional programs while building partnerships with trained health professionals in their regions.
Following a plenary attended by global leaders, industry pioneers, community advocates, and exemplars of Jewish life, delegates dispersed to more than 50 service sites across the Dallas Metroplex for the M.B. and Edna Zale Family Foundation LEADS Day. Alephs and BBGs explored issues such as civic engagement, anti-Semitism, and immigration.
Teen leaders honored three World War II liberators in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. As hundreds of teens who are
IC 2020 By the Numbers
• 3,000+ Jewish teen leaders • 713 communities worldwide
• 489 North American and global chapters • 45 countries (including the U.S. and Canada)
the grandchildren or great-grandchildren of Holocaust survivors raised the flashlights on their cell phones, the reaction of the veterans moved the entire room.
Throughout IC, delegates participated in dozens of different worship experiences and learning opportunities. On Saturday night, teens wrapped arm in arm for Havdalah as graphics illuminated seven massive screens and beautiful prayer melodies were sung by thousands.
Got a 2020 Graduate?
The Class of 2020 may be without a traditional graduation ceremony, but they shouldn’t be without recognition. Jewish News wants to honor Jewish Tidewater’s 2020 graduates so that they get at least some of the acknowledgment they have earned and deserve.
High School, College, Graduate School…
Help us honor these students by submitting their: Name School Degree Honors Special Notes (Activities) Plans (Next-step education or job) Parents
Please submit with a photograph by Friday, May 15 to news@ujft.org.
