Young Leadership in Action

B’nai B’rith is focusing attention on the next generation of Jewish leaders. In May, we encountered many future leaders at the inaugural B’nai B’rith Young Leadership Conference in Boston, headlined Social Responsibility: Does Being Jewish Matter?

With spirited conversation and a free exchange of ideas, we are pleased to say the future of Jewish commitment and philanthropy looks bright.

The young leaders we are cultivating are enthusiastic, socially aware and committed to making a difference in the Jewish world and for Israel. We had attendees from three countries and 13 states—proving that our internationality is attractive to young leaders.

The Young Leadership Network expanded its community presence with the creation of a Los Angeles group, with activities including social programming, community service and networking opportunities with other community groups.

Our partnership with Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) continues to be strong. AEPi has proven a solid and reliable friend in many ways.

During the summer, B’nai B’rith provided a community service project for the delegates to AEPi’s International Convention in Toronto. Participants in Hineni and civics programs joined senior citizens who attend programs at B’nai Brith Canada’s Senior Center for lunch and a game of Bingo.

B’nai B’rith was honored by AEPi at its convention with a five-year, $100,000 grant to be used for our disaster relief efforts and our steadfast support for Israel.

Our Young Leadership Network now includes groups in Chicago, Denver, Washington, D.C., New York and New Jersey. A group was launched in Florida in November and a group in Detroit is in development.

The Young Leadership Network adopted a national campaign to provide child activity kits for children in shelters in Israel.

This was part of the Mitzvah programming for the community groups, and the kits were given to Israeli municipalities for the shelters that are used during Hamas rocket attacks.

An online gathering of young leaders from around the world met in November to discuss issues facing Israel today.

Participants also heard from a young B’nai B’rith leader who took part in the summer’s solidarity mission to Israel, where young leaders from Europe went to show support for Israel during the defensive war in Gaza.