Our Final Update

May 30, 2025
International Mazkirim

AZA & BBG

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Hey AZA & BBG, it’s Justin and Riley here!
We can’t believe our term is coming to a close. Currently feeling: thankful, proud, a little emotional, and endlessly inspired by what we’ve accomplished together.

From our very first call to the final gavels of this term, we’ve witnessed the strength, spirit, and heart of the BBYO Movement in action. You’ve shown the world what it means to lead as Alephs and BBGs- with intention, purpose, and pride.

A defining moment of our term was our incredible Business Meeting at the February Executives Conference, where we passed eight impactful pieces of legislation. This gathering proved that our democracy is alive and thriving, with teens from around the world coming together to shape BBYO’s future. A few highlights include:

  • A reaffirmation of Rise Up as a Movement Priority, alongside a commitment from every region to nominate at least one member to the Rise Up Committee.

  • A motion to strengthen the Chapter Founders’ Cohort, focusing on inclusion, support for small-city members, and teen leadership.

  • The creation of the Youth Zionist Israel Advocate of the Year Award, honoring teens who demonstrate outstanding dedication to Zionism and Jewish peoplehood.

  • A resolution renaming Vancouver Region to Canada Pacific Region to better reflect its geographic identity.

  • A motion encouraging the re-evaluation of the Shaliach/Sh’licha role across our Movement.

  • And more—including bold steps on Kosher accessibility and creative ISF/Stand UP incentives.

These motions weren’t just words on a page—they reflected our values, our priorities, and our promise to make BBYO more inclusive, supportive, and teen-led.

We also celebrated the continued impact of the Voice Your Vote initiative, which mobilized teens in the first half of our term to register new voters, lead civic programs, and spark meaningful conversations about the power of our voice.

This year, we built the largest International Press Corps to date, engaging more teens than ever before. From across the Order, these talented Alephs and BBGs stepped up to tell the story of our Movement—reporting, writing, and creating like never before.

At International Convention, the IC Press Corps captured the energy and heart of our biggest event of the year. Through photos, videos, social media, and stories, they preserved the moments we’ll be looking back on for years to come—from high-energy hype to quiet hallway memories.

And throughout it all, we’ve strengthened Global Democracy, empowering members from every corner of the globe to lead with clarity, confidence, and commitment to our values. Whether you authored legislation, asked a question during a business meeting, or just learned something new, you played a role in building a stronger BBYO.

Serving as your 100th Grand Aleph Mazkir and 80th International Mazkirah has been the honor of a lifetime. Thank you for trusting us, challenging us, and growing with us.

This is not goodbye, it’s “see you soon.”

With endless love and gratitude,

Justin & Riley

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

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