Shani Rabizanovich, Hamilton Jewish News – August 20, 2025
Being part of an organization greater than myself has been a transformative experience. It has not only helped shape my identity but also allowed me to embrace who I am within a supportive community that has empowered me to grow and thrive.
Wendy Schneider, Hamilton Jewish News – August 20, 2025
At just 23, Jack Rosenbaum has already made a remarkable impact on Jewish teen life in Hamilton. A graduate student in psychology at McMaster University, Rosenbaum was tapped by Federation to start a local chapter of the non-denominational Jewish youth group BBYO — filling a major gap for unaffiliated Jewish teens seeking community and connection.
Shani Rabizanovich, Hamilton Jewish News – March 17, 2025
The population of the Jewish people is exceptionally small, especially in the community in which I live. Whenever I get the chance to embrace my Jewish identity and meet other Jewish teens, I feel so fortunate to be given that opportunity. BBYO is an organization for Jewish teens that expands all across the world. Currently, I am a member of Hamilton’s BBYO chapter, serving my second term as the vice president of membership.
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.
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.
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.