ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Since BBYO’s founding 100 years ago, its mission and purpose has been to unleash the power of youth. BBYO is a place where Jewish teens form their fondest memories, develop leadership skills, establish lifelong friendships, advocate for causes they care about, and find meaning in their Jewish heritage.
Reflections from BBYO’s Leadership
Dear Friends,
This has been a year of resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to our community. As BBYO marked its Centennial, we were reminded again of the power of connection and the importance of supporting one another, especially in challenging times.
In the fall of 2023, our community faced unimaginable tragedy with the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7. Lives were lost, hostages were taken, and the world witnessed a sharp rise in antisemitism. Yet, even in the face of adversity, our Movement stood strong, providing a safe space for Jewish teens to come together in solidarity and action.
From the fall of 2023 through the summer of 2024, and in the months since, BBYO teens responded with strength and compassion. They mobilized to raise over $80,000 for direct relief, organized supply drives, and demonstrated unwavering support for their counterparts in Israel. They also continued to embrace Jewish joy—seeking comfort in their friendships and their shared sense of purpose.
In our Centennial year, BBYO continued to provide tens of thousands of teens with an outlet for connection, growth, and hope. Record-breaking convention attendance, the largest BBYO International Convention in history, and an extraordinary 100,000 hours of service completed by teens worldwide—all of these are testaments to the resilience of our Movement. Throughout this year, Jewish teens made it clear: they need places to come together, to feel safe, and to share in pride and belonging. This is what BBYO has offered for a century—and continues to offer today.
On behalf of the 70,000 teens impacted by BBYO this year, including over 5,200 new members around the world, we are grateful for your continued support of Jewish teens. The annual report below highlights just a few of the extraordinary moments your generosity made possible during this pivotal time in our history.
Matthew Grossman
Chief Executive Officer
TJ Katz
99th Grand Aleph Godol
Courtney Saxe
79th Anita M. Perlman International N'siah
Craig Weiss
Board Chair
THE YEAR IN NUMBERS
“BBYO has given me a home within the Jewish community, where I can explore my identity and build lifelong friendships. It has empowered me to grow as a leader and enabled me to make an impact on the world around me. I’m grateful for a space that has shaped who I am and who I aspire to be.”
- Adelino-Daniel S., BBYO Austria, Class of 2026
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR YEAR
Thousands of teens turned to BBYO this year in search of connection and inspiration, finding a proud space to stand together as Jews. Click on the buttons below to explore some of the major moments that defined our year.
CONNECTING TEENS ACROSS OUR MOVEMENT
AUGUST
At August Executives Conference, an annual gathering of BBYO teen leaders from across the world, participants returned to Omaha, Nebraska, the city where the Movement was founded by 14 teenage boys in 1924. Together, they reflected on the inspiring vision of our founders and envisioned the possibilities for our second century.
SEPTEMBER
Throughout the fall, hundreds of chapters throughout the Order celebrated the beginning of our Centennial year with Fall Kickoff events, welcoming thousands of new members to their ranks.
In Lonestar Region, teens in all four of the region’s major cities participated in kickoffs over the same weekend, bringing together over 300 new and returning members to enjoy bowling, pickleball, and rock-climbing events.
The BBYO Shop opened its (virtual) doors, featuring signature Centennial items, including t-shirts, hoodies and posters, that teens, alumni, and friends worldwide were eager to purchase and show their pride. All proceeds directly benefitted the International Service Fund, a treasury of charitable funds allocated by BBYO’s teen Executive Body to both Jewish and non-Jewish causes throughout the year.
At the end of September, registration for BBYO International Convention 2024 in Orlando, Florida opened to the public—and then sold out in a record 30 minutes, with more than 3,600 teens from 43 countries signing up for an unforgettable five-day weekend of unity with their Jewish friends.
In celebration of our Centennial year, two new partnerships were launched to engage BBYO alumni through collaboration with Jewish organizations. Moishe House provided special funding for its residents to organize events specifically for BBYO alumni. Additionally, through the BBYO + OneTable initiative, alumni had the opportunity to host Shabbat dinners for their BBYO friends—with an increased stipend from the usual amount—for these meaningful reunion gatherings.
During Sukkot, three colorful “pop up” sukkot traveled across communities in the Pacific Northwest, Florida, and New Jersey, hosting compelling and creative teen-led events, from crafts to cuisine to text study in celebration of the holiday season.
RESILIENCY AND SOLIDARITY
OCTOBER
On Saturday, October 7th, the lives of Jewish people around the world were changed forever by the terrorist attacks orchestrated by Hamas in Israel.
Immediately following the attacks, BBYO teen leaders wrote and shared a powerful statement affirming that BBYO members across the world stand together in strength and support of Israel.
Teens quickly mobilized to raise funds for direct relief Jewish organizations, including our partners at Maccabi World Union in Israel—ultimately gathering donations from across the Movement surpassing $80,000 to support their counterparts and displaced families in Israel.
In the days and weeks following the attacks, BBYO’s digital newsletter, The Shofar, became a critical outlet for teens to share reflections with each other, process difficult emotions , and disseminate ideas for taking action through their chapters and regions. Nearly 40 articles were published by teens within weeks of the attacks.
“Every generation has that one thing that you can always remember exactly where you were. For me, I’m never forgetting that first weekend in October.”
- BBYO Member Ethan Smith, as quoted in The New York Times
Within weeks, the Rise UP Committee to combat antisemitism was formed through the BBYO International Leadership Network. Supported by a cadre of Jewish educators, teens met weekly to create and share resources with their peers on identifying and addressing antisemitism in their communities. Teens and staff worked together to create a Stand Up Against Antisemitism resource page to help teens and families respond to, process, and combat the rise of antisemitism at home and around the globe.
BBYO CEO Matthew Grossman embarked on the first-ever Listening Tour, traveling to four communities throughout the U.S. to meet directly with BBYO teens, and understand the ways the Movement could best support them. As a result, BBYO leadership gained valuable insights needed to help them deal with antisemitism in their communities.
Events were immediately organized to offer support and expertise from mental health experts to the parents of BBYO teens. Hundreds of parents heard virtually from Dr. Deborah Gilboa, the mother of a lone soldier, in an event titled “Talking to Teens About Israel”. BBYO parents also attended an online event in the fall with Rabbi Ron Fish of the Anti-Defamation League and Drew Fidler, Senior Director of BBYO’s Center for Adolescent Wellness, that focused on antisemitism in schools and tools for supporting Jewish high school students.
NOVEMBER
On November 12, 300,000 supporters across the Jewish community, including hundreds of BBYO teens, gathered on the National Mall for a historic March for Israel—uniting to show support for Israel’s right to self-defense, speak out against antisemitism, and rally to free the hostages.
“I am filled with chills to look out onto the National Mall lit up with blue and white. Teens worldwide are standing up in their own ways to spread awareness and fight for peace. Together, we are strong. Am Yisrael Chai."
— Courtney Saxe, 79th Anita M. Perlman International N’siah, addressing the crowd at the March from the stage on the National Mall
The night before the March, parents gathered for a special event calling “Unpacking the Moment: How to Support Your Teens and Talk About Israel.” Guests heard from Drew Fidler of BBYO’s Center for Adolescent Wellness, as well as Scott Lasensky, who served as a Senior Policy Advisor on Israel, the Middle East, and Jewish affairs in Washington and Lizzy Savetsky, a Jewish influencer and Israel activist, sharing guidance and tools for parents to open a dialogue with their teens about Israel.
Throughout November, members across the Movement sought connection and community at fall regional conventions in record-breaking numbers—including the first-ever BBYO regional convention held in Asia, which brought together 45 teens from across Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo.
Deepening connections between BBYO alumni and teens, BBYO launched The Deli Project—bringing community members together in one of the most iconic institutions of Jewish life, the deli, across 12 cities. At each event, teens interviewed alumni about their teen years using a custom card game, designed by BBYO, based on the hit show The Hot Ones. Guests of all generations also enjoyed delicious deli food, explored BBYO and Jewish trivia on placemats, and celebrated their shared connections to BBYO and Jewish culture.
On Tuesday, November 30, as part of Giving Tuesday, nearly $1,000,000 was raised by 1,000 volunteer fundraisers (primarily teens), with gifts from more than 6,000 unique donors, showcasing the profound impact of BBYO on teens, alumni, parents, and friends across the globe.
Inspired by BBYO’s Centennial anniversary, alumni across the globe this fall reconnected through creative events, Shabbat dinners, and special weekend reunions.
Greater Atlanta Region had an unforgettable Spirit Regional Convention, featuring engaging discussions with BBYO's Central Shliach and Israeli guests, meaningful Shabbat experiences, and an exciting dance and video competition led by BBYO's Director of Music, Eric Hunker.
POWERFUL PROGRAMMING AND JEWISH PRIDE
DECEMBER
In December, teens came together for a Movement-wide Global Shabbat that engaged 16,000 teens in 131 communities and 30 countries. With a theme of “Responding to the Moment,” members across the world invited community leaders, guest speakers, Holocaust survivors, and other heroes to join them for Shabbat dinner and share their stories.
In Israel, teens in Maccabi Tzair, BBYO’s sister movement, orchestrated 21 powerful programs that engaged 4,000 of their peers and adults in volunteer efforts and cross-generational connectivity. At K’far Maccabiah, teens welcomed 800 evacuated families from the south of Israel impacted by the war to join a Kabbalat Shabbat service. In Rishon LeZion, teens made flower bouquets for fallen soldiers' graves. In Modi’in and Be’er Sheva, teens baked goods for IDF soldiers on active duty.
BBYO teens united in global celebrations of Hanukkah, incorporating special prayers and reflections that captured the holiday’s themes of courage, resilience, and hope.
JANUARY
In January, BBYO conducted the first comprehensive survey of Jewish teens following the 10/7 attacks, with nearly 2,000 members across Canada and the United States responding. More than 70% of respondents reported experiencing harassment for their Jewish identity, either in person or online. Though these results were alarming, the survey also highlighted BBYO as a source of hope—with 65% of Jewish teens who responded citing BBYO as a support system and their involvement in local chapters as an important avenue for connection during a time of grief, sadness, and isolation.
“Forever Young: BBYO’s History As Told By Our Alumni,” an historic hardbound book featuring more than 500 alumni stories, was released in celebration of BBYO’s Centennial year. In the months leading up to its publication, more than 3,000 stories were collected from alumni to commemorate 100 years of BBYO and honor our Movement’s rituals, traditions, values, and history.
BBYO launched a new strategic partnership with World Jewish Congress, empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders with training and education to prepare them for university life and the future. A group of 63 BBYO teens representing 40 countries were selected to participate in Jewish Youth Assembly, a conference that brings Jewish youth together to celebrate diversity across our community, explore opportunities for collaboration, and unite in addressing ongoing challenges including antisemitism.
Across the Movement, BBYO teens marked 100 days since October 7 with meaningful programming and reflections. Click here to read a beautiful poem written by Emma G., BBYO Hudson Valley Region.
FEBRUARY
In Orlando, Florida more than 3,600 teens from 46 countries and 480 communities—plus 400 alumni and adult participants—united for BBYO International Convention 2024, a five-day festival of Jewish pride and joy that teens needed this year more than ever before. For the first time, teens attended IC from Beijing, China; El Salvador; and Italy.
Delegates this year included 48 teens from Israel, including members of Israel’s Druze community and a group from Kibbutz Magen, located in in the Gaza Envelope, which was attacked by Hamas on October 7th.
Throughout IC, teens heard from and engaged with a spectacular lineup of speakers including Rabbi Sharon Brous, Founder, IKAR; Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of Anti-Defamation League; Tiffany Haddish, comedienne and actress; Meghan McCain, TV personality and entrepreneur; Joshua Malina, actor; Din Tesler, Nova Music Festival survivor; Noa Tishby, activist and producer; and Rabbi David Wolpe, Rabbi Emeritus of Sinai Temple.
J-Lab, an interactive lab centered on Jewish rituals, again ranked as a top-five space that teens at IC wanted to spend time in. In J-Lab this year, teens explored Jewish text and tradition through the lens of games—including a claw machine where teens could try to pick up stuffed toys representing different values; a workout corner exploring the power of spiritual strength; a game of Jenga engaging teens in dialogue about patriotism and citizenship; and bracelet-making to highlight facets of Jewish identity.
Teens at IC also experienced an Escape Room that took them through seminal moments in Jewish history from the last 100 years, including interactive explorations of the March on Washington, the 1972 Olympics, the founding of the State of Israel, and the Camp David Accords.
Delegates wrote hundreds of heartfelt letters to their Israeli counterparts in Maccabi Tzair Israel, our partner organization.
“One particularly nice moment was when an Israeli teen recieved a random postcard, and it turns out it was from a teen she met at an earlier IC. She immediately started crying and shared it with us — we couldn’t stop smiling; it was such a beautiful moment.”
- Nitzan Ben Shaya, BBYO Area Director of Africa, Israel, and the Middle East
BBYO members officially elected the historic 100th Grand Board of the Aleph Zadik Aleph and 80th International Board of the B’nai B’rith Girls—including, for the first time, the election of an Anita M. Perlman International N’siah from outside North America.
IC 2024 also featured the first four-day Adult Experience, with hundreds of alumni and supporters joining together for special adult sessions, time with speakers, networking, and reconnecting with BBYO friends.
On Saturday night at IC, following an inspiring panel that featured Joshua Malina and Meghan McCain, BBYO formally launched a new Alumni Association in connection with our Centennial year.
More than 40 former members of BBYO’s International Board reunited at IC, spanning more than 80 years of BBYO’s history. BBYO’s 16th International N’siah, Marcia Weser, had the opportunity to attend the election of the 100th International Board of the B’nai B’rith Girls.
“BBYO is the place where hundreds of thousands of us first embraced ownership of our Jewish identities—and then built the skills, friendships, and connections that have stayed with us long into adulthood. The launch of an Alumni Association, which enables our alumni around the world to stay in touch with each other and continue to serve as active leaders of our community, is an incredible moment not only for BBYO but for all who care about a strong future.”
- Gabbi Baker, BBYO Alumni Advisory Council Chair
Click here to see all of the speakers and special guests that joined Jewish teens at BBYO International Convention 2024.
"Attending IC 2024 was one of the highlights of my teenage years. Being surrounded by so many Jewish teenagers who share my passion for Judaism was incredibly empowering and gave me so much pride in my identity.”
- Jenna B., BBYO Connecticut Valley Region, Class of 2026
CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF BBYO
MARCH
In March, seven BBYO teens attended Anti-Defamation League’s Never Is Now Summit—sharing their unique perspectives and experience with antisemitism with thousands of adults and communal leaders. The cohort also explored new tools and resources to combat hate and support their peers across the Movement in partnership with the ADL.
BBYO released its first-ever Haggadah, titled “Voices of BBYO: 100 Pieces of Wisdom from a Century of the BBYO Movement.” This moving publication contains 100 commentaries written by BBYO teens and alumni on the Passover holiday, Jewish history, and shared hopes for our future. The Haggadah sold out in The BBYO Shop almost instantly, with hundreds of copies ordered across the world and even more downloaded digitally.
BBYO teens throughout the Movement united for spring regional conventions—surpassing 10,000 convention attendees in total this year.
Following months of learning and preparation, two delegations of BBYO teens participated in the Maimonides Moot Court competition, a national event in New York attended by hundreds of Jewish teens that asks them to debate controversial current issues through the lens of Jewish commentary and texts. BBYO’s teams, who meet weekly for months leading up to the competition, won first and third place in their respective categories for their skillful arguments.
APRIL
In April, teens across the Movement participated in the largest J-Serve: International Day of Jewish Youth Service in BBYO’s history, which included the culmination of 100,000 hours of teen volunteer service in honor of our Centennial. J-Serve events took place in 113 communities worldwide, including events in Israel and volunteer efforts around the Order to collect supplies, hold fundraisers for displaced communities, and rally together in support of the ongoing wars in Israel and Ukraine.
Founded in 1944, B’nai B’rith Girls officially celebrated its 80th birthday on April 22. Across the globe, chapters organized Founders' Day celebrations and members shared special posts and videos on social media on the meaning of this milestone moment.
“In 1944, with strength, dignity, and determination, Anita mobilized her community to formally launch a nationwide, coordinated Jewish youth movement led by women, for women—an approach unlike any other institution at the time. Eighty years later, she could hardly have imagined what B’nai B’rith Girls and BBYO have become. I’m filled with pride in her legacy and the strength of this growing Movement—a pride I know is shared by tens of thousands of teens and alumni whose lives have been changed by B’nai B’rith Girls.”
– A note written by Ruth Perlman, granddaughter of Anita M. Perlman, on the occasion of BBG’s 80th birthday
In Bulgaria, BBYO members across Europe gathered for the third-ever European Leadership Training Institute—with 215 teens and staff representing 27 countries participating, including for the first time delegates from France, Morocco, and Sweden. Over four days, ELTI attendees collaborated and learned from one another as they deepened relationships, visited historic sites, and imagined innovative approaches to further expanding their impact across the continent.
MAY
On May 3, 2024, BBYO marked its 100th anniversary since the founding of the first AZA chapter in Omaha, Nebraska. Around the world, teens reflected on the remarkable journey of our Movement, which has grown from 14 boys in 1924 to over 35,000 members across 63 countries today. This milestone was marked by exciting events and celebrations including a billboard in Times Square; a digital birthday card signed by hundreds of teens, parents, and alumni; the release of special BBYO swag; alumni reunions; and a festive virtual birthday gathering through BBYO On Demand.
As BBYO officially entered its second century, two letters, written by CEO Matthew Grossman, and Anita M. Perlman International N’siah Courtney Saxe and Grand Aleph Godol TJ Katz, commemorated the significance of this historic moment.
Anita M. Perlman International N’siah Courtney Saxe and Grand Aleph Godol TJ Katz traveled to Israel in May, visiting the site of the Nova Music Festival, meeting with Maccabi Tzair teens, and expressing support to their Israeli counterparts and families on behalf of the BBYO Movement.
In Hudson Valley Region, BBGs and their family members—including moms, aunts, and grandparents—celebrated a special BBG Shabbat in honor of the movement’s 80th birthday. Following services at a local congregation, families enjoyed a multi-generational dinner together and engaged in dialogue about their experiences as Jewish women. Participants also collected menstrual supplies for women in need in partnership with local non-profit The Sharing Shelf.
In May, the BBYO community marked Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom Ha’atzmaut with moving and meaningful events, both online and in person. New resources, readings, and programs empowering members of BBYO’s community to reflect on their emotions around the war in Israel were created by educators and teens and shared with their counterparts across the Movement.
As part of our Centennial, BBYO launched an Honorary Council of notable alumni from across the globe.
A SUMMER OF HOPE AND STRENGTH
JUNE
Throughout the spring, hundreds of alumni and supporters reunited with friends and celebrated their shared connection to BBYO at uplifting Signature Events commemorating our Centennial Anniversary. Elevated gatherings—often planned by alumni—were held in Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, England, and Israel, and in cities across the United States including Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
June saw the start of another spectacular BBYO Summer, with the highest registration numbers since before the pandemic. For the first time since 2019 International Leadership Training Conference (ILTC) sold out. Participation in Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC) rose by 23%, while attendance at International Kallah surged by 69%. These increases underscore the strong desire among Jewish teens to connect with their peers in safe, positive spaces that celebrate their Jewish pride.
Despite the war’s disruption to teen travel to Israel this summer, 63 participants joined a newly-designed BBYO summer experience called Volunteer Israel. For eight days, teens rolled up their sleeves to support Israeli agriculture and service projects, toured the country, visited 10/7 landmarks, and showed support to their counterparts across the Jewish homeland.
At CLTC, mock chapters of teens each had the opportunity to plan and lead Shabbat morning services, attended by the broader camp community. Teens delighted in selecting their themes, from a relaxing lake service focused on gratitude, to services focused on the importance of community, to fun Shabbat experiences that included prayers sung to the tunes of Taylor Swift. Whether it was their first Shabbat experience or a regular practice of theirs, teens at CLTC enjoyed organized a meaningful Jewish experience for their peers.
BBYO teens at International Leadership Training Conference (ILTC) had the opportunity to participate in the third annual BBYO Thon, where they raised $15,070 for Magen David Adom in Israel, an organization chosen by teens. Through this entirely peer-led program, teens gained skills they could take home to their communities while uniting to positively impact a cause they deemed important.
At International Kallah, an immersive summer experience for rising 10th-12th graders, teens participated in a new, two-day program focused on antisemitism on college campuses. Six guest speakers, including BBYO alumni and Jewish campus leaders, shared their stories of resilience—including 23-year-old jewelry designer Danielle Yablonka, who created a line of Zionist-themed jewelry in addition to her activism speaking out against antisemitism; and Blake Flayton, whose reflections on antisemitism have been featured in The New York Times and is soon publishing a book on Jewish college students’ experiences this year.
Teens also had the opportunity to experience Israel Seminar, a highlight of Kallah each summer , that brings a diverse array of Israel experts, educators, and speakers to camp to share their perspectives with teens and openly discuss their differing viewpoints on pathways to peace. Speakers this year included Haviv Rettig Gur, a senior analyst at the Times of Israel; Josh Drill, a prominent figure in the Israel Pro-Democracy movement and active leader of the wave of protests in Israel in 2023; and Mohammed Zoabi, an Arab Israeli social media influencer outspoken in his support for Israel.
“International Kallah was truly the experience of a lifetime. I’m so grateful for all of the new people I met, and especially the new things I learned. It gave me hope for my future and for our future as a people.”
- Lindsay P., BBYO Eastern Region, Class of 2025
In total, more than 1,700 teens participated in immersive BBYO leadership experiences in Summer 2024.
A Letter to BBYO On Your 100th Birthday,From CEO Matthew GrossmanDear BBYO,
Today, on your centennial birthday, I want to offer my gratitude.
I came to you later in life, looking for the next step in my career. I was ready for a new opportunity, a new connection, and a deeper understanding of my potential. You did for me what you've done for hundreds of thousands of young Jews over the 100 years-you welcomed me in and encouraged me to be my best self. You gave me an incredible gift-the opportunity to pursue a mission that would ultimately connect me with the most magnificent people as well as my own inner teen self.
Your generosity comes as no surprise. You are known for your inclusivity and your ability to bring out the best in people. Your very essence is the joy and magic of being young. The ups and downs, the optimism, the naivety, the emotion, the glory and the exploration of it all-brought to life through cheers, chants, candles, music, and the love among siblings, arm-in-arm, seeking and finding together. You are Jewish community personified and aflame.
Your approach to reaching and inspiring young Jews has stood the test of time. You don't sway to the latest trends, no matter how tempting that might be. No gimmicks and no panic. You do what you've always done-put young people in control of their own destiny, inviting them to lead their peers and encouraging them to believe in each other. And most importantly, you remind them that they are driven by a deeper purpose, the need to repair our broken world and perpetuate our Jewish faith. In your presence I heard the Talmudic phrase, "every blade of grass has an angel that bends over it and whispers, 'grow! grow."‘ You are that angel.
You've guided the travels of young Jews across the globe, where they've turned ballrooms into sanctuaries, and brought prayer to places that turned a deaf ear to Jewish voices long ago. From Kansas City to Kiev, to summer nights in the Poconos and sunrises on Masada. The Schwartz's basement too, it doesn't really matter. The BBYO uniform (at-shirt, not necessarily your own or clean) appears and reappears in these places. Thus, they become our places, homes to our forever memories.
As we head into the next century, let's walk unafraid, arm-in-arm, just as we have for the past 100 years. No matter where we are in the world, let the power of togetherness be our guide. And if we are ever lost, we will no doubt find each other in your places of adolescent joy, where the music of young Jews finds its way directly to G-d.
With undying love and gratitude during your centennial year and always,
Matthew Grossman
Chief Executive Officer