Each Thanksgiving we reflect on things we are grateful for from the prior year. Since high school, BBYO has been a constant for me and something I feel so lucky to be a part of. BBYO has given me and members everywhere so much: new friendships, a community, and a sense of belonging. This is why it is so important to give back to the organization that gives us everything!

This year for Giving BBYO Day, the Nassau Suffolk region held a Giving BBYO Day Gala to raise money and bring our community together. Members and their parents were invited to attend this meaningful event. To fundraise for BBYO, there were dozens of raffles from local businesses and restaurants, a permanent jewelry station, and tables for blackjack and other games.

Aside from fundraising, this event was so significant for NSR because we had the honor to hear from a Holocaust survivor. Celia, a 90-year-old survivor, told the region her story as a child in Poland who escaped the Nazis. Celia spent years living in the horrors of a ghetto before being taken in by a family of righteous gentiles. They raised her as their own before she was reunited with both of her parents and moved to America. Celia’s story of strength and survival was so emotional and motivational. It reminded everyone of the horrors that the Jewish people endured and how we are such a strong and brave community.

In these times, it is increasingly important to donate to Jewish organizations like BBYO. BBYO is a safe space for Jewish teens to connect from all across the world. However, to be this safe space that we need, BBYO needs our help. BBYO needs our donations and funding. I hope that everyone considers donating to this worthy cause on this Giving Tuesday.