UJEB teens jet set to American leadership conference
“Facilitating international experiences for Jewish teens at non-Jewish schools closely aligns with UJEB’s core values (identity, engagement, community, inclusivity)..."
UJEB teens Daniel Arndtheim and Liam Zeevi jetted off last week to Pennsylvania, United States, for the BBYO International Leadership Training Conference (ILTC). Hosted at a three-week summer camp at Perlman Camp, they will join Jewish teens from across the globe to broaden their leadership and strategic skills and immerse in meaningful Jewish experiences.
This is one of the many international opportunities available to teens through UJEB’s teen leadership and social program, BBYO. UJEB houses and powers BBYO Australia, the Australasian branch of BBYO International, a world-wide, pluralist teen-led movement. Through the lens of “teens engaging teens”, BBYO participants develop hadrachah skills to run events and opportunities for other Jewish teens across the community.
Earlier this year, Arndtheim participated in another international BBYO opportunity, the annual International Convention, held in Dallas, Texas. Travelling with the Australian delegation across Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, Arndtheim united with 3000+ Jewish teens from across 60 countries, for two weeks of sightseeing, community stays, celebrities, concerts and more. While UJEB has now sent multiple cohorts to the International Convention, Arndtheim and Zeevi make up UJEB’s second cohort to venture to ILTC since 2019.
“Facilitating international experiences for Jewish teens at non-Jewish schools closely aligns with UJEB’s core values (identity, engagement, community, inclusivity). Such experiences enable our young people to create personal connections with peers in the worldwide Jewish community, and engage in some quality educational experiences whilst having a bucket load of fun,” said Simone Zmood, president of UJEB.
For Arndtheim, venturing to the International Convention in February was the catalyst for pursuing as many international experiences as possible.
“As I never attended a Jewish primary school and my current secondary school is non-Jewish, the International Convention was able to open my eyes to developing myself as a Jew,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to learning lots of new things, meeting new people, and enhancing my Jewish identity.”
“ILTC offers unparalleled leadership opportunities that not only enhance our skills but also deeply enrich our Jewish identity,” said Noah Loven, BBYO Melbourne Chapter Advisor and previous ILTC participant.
“We eagerly await the return of Liam and Daniel, where together they will continue to grow BBYO Australia and ignite the flames of leadership, community, and Jewish pride.”
To learn more and express interest in the BBYO International Convention 2024, visit ujeb.org.au/bbyo
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