Dec 7, 2024
Wendy Schneider, Hamilton Jewish News – December 7, 2024
In the 15 months since the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023 triggered a year of intense violence in Israel, Gaza, and across the Middle East, Jewish students in public schools have borne the impact of anti-Israel activism, which often manifests as antisemitic bullying. With Jewish students representing only a small minority in local schools, many have felt outnumbered and unheard. This prompted the creation of the Jewish Student Forum, a collaborative initiative between the Hamilton Jewish Federation and BBYO as a vehicle through which Jewish students can share their concerns directly with Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) administrators.
Jun 16, 2024
Wendy Schneider, Hamilton Jewish News – June 16, 2024
Engaging teens in Jewish life has long been considered among the most significant challenges facing the Jewish community. The rapid decline in teen engagement in North American Jewish life post-b’nai mitzvah is well-documented, and here in Hamilton, there were years in which Jewish teens were all but invisible at community events. That’s why hopes were high when Hamilton Jewish Federation brought the non-denominational Jewish youth group BBYO to Hamilton.
Jun 25, 2023
Liav Yakov, Hamilton Jewish News – June 25, 2023
I am a member of Mishpacha BBYO, the only BBYO chapter in Hamilton, the next closest one being about an hour drive from here. BBYO, which stands for B’nai Brith Youth Organization, is a non-profit, teen-led Jewish organization for Jewish youth. BBYO is spread across the whole world, and they have at least five chapters on every continent. Each chapter, region, and even the whole organization is led by teens.
Sep 10, 2022
Jack Rosenbaum, Hamilton Jewish News – September 10, 2022
My friend dragged me to an event for Jewish teens and it changed my life. Going to a public high school, I didn’t feel very connected to the Jewish community, nor did I want to be. I had friends, was involved in all sorts of extra curricular activities, and spent a lot of time with my family; I didn’t need anything more. But when I walked into that event and was welcomed by a group of kids greeting me with open arms, I realized that the Jewish community had more to offer than just Bar Mitzvah lessons.
