This year’s StandWithUs 2024 High School Internship Conference marked a pivotal moment, not just for the New England region but for the entire community. As our region expanded from 11 interns last year to an impressive 19, the energy and passion these teens brought to the conference was palpable. Meeting these dedicated young leaders in person was a reminder of why we do this work—they are the future, and they are more than ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

One of the most striking aspects of this year’s cohort is the intentionality behind their participation. After the horrific events of Oct. 7, not only of the sheer brutality of Hamas’ terrorism, but all the global antisemitism that followed in its wake, these teens made a conscious choice to step into this space, knowing full well the gravity of the situation. Two-hundred teens, from a pool of a record-breaking 800 applicants, chose to join a year-long internship that would challenge them to learn, grow, and advocate for their community in a world that often feels hostile to their values.

This decision speaks volumes about their character and their commitment to making a difference. As a staff member, it was both humbling and exhilarating to meet these young leaders who have chosen to stand up and be counted in such a critical time.

The conference was filled with powerful moments, beginning with the buzzing excitement as students connected with peers from other regions. Despite their diverse backgrounds and experiences, they bonded quickly. We then dove into four days of content, starting with our “why.” I shared my family story—honoring my grandfather, a Holocaust survivor—while my colleague Abby shared her father’s journey of survival and escape during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. These deeply personal stories are central to our family histories and collective Jewish memory, grounding the work we do.

We continued throughout the week with other sessions on complex topics ranging from Israel’s parliamentary structure to a comprehensive 3,000-year timeline of Israel’s history. These young leaders wrestled with the challenging narratives of Israeli and Palestinian pain with sensitivity and insight, showing a deep understanding and respect for the complexities of the conflict. Their engagement in sessions on combating antisemitism and anti-Zionism was particularly inspiring, as they demonstrated a clear commitment to defending their identity and standing up for their beliefs.

During our regional breakouts, I watched these young leaders come together as a unified group. They listened to each other’s challenges, shared their own experiences, and offered words of encouragement and practical solutions. The support they provided each other was heartwarming, as was their determination to help one another succeed in their program ideas. Whether discussing administrative hurdles or brainstorming ways to engage their peers, they displayed a level of maturity and insight that was truly impressive.

Of course, one of the most moving moments of the conference was the sight of 200 Jewish teens and allies standing together to sing “Hatikva” and the national anthem. It’s a moment that never fails to inspire—a powerful expression of unity, pride, and hope for the future.

Seeing the work these teens are doing and the way they step up to the challenge reaffirmed my belief in the importance of the work we do at StandWithUs. I couldn’t be prouder to help lead this incredible group of teens, who are more than capable of carrying the torch forward.

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