Our Term as the 7th International Gizborim: A Year of Giving and Growth

May 30, 2025
International Gizborim

AZA & BBG

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As your 7th International Gizborim, this term has been transformative, both for us and for the movement. From revitalizing key initiatives to leading one of the most successful fundraising campaigns in BBYO history, we’ve witnessed firsthand the power of teen leadership, generosity, and global connection. Here are some of our proudest highlights from this term:

🔄 Relaunching the International Service Fund (ISF)

This year, we proudly relaunched the International Service Fund, empowering BBYO’s philanthropic fund. Through this relaunch, we reintroduced the importance of philanthropy to our Movement, reminding Alephs and BBGs around the world that even small contributions can lead to a global impact. With a new website, revitalized energy, and even incorporating ISF education into some circumstances. The ISF is becoming more accessible, visible, and impactful than ever.

💰Raising $1,000,000 on Giving BBYO Day

We broke records! Together with our #GivingBBYODay Hype Squad and over 1400 ambassadors, we helped BBYO raise over $1 million on #GivingBBYODay 2024! This achievement speaks volumes about the passion and dedication of our teens, families, alumni, and supporters. From the beginning of fall to December 3rd, the campaign was driven by excitement, creativity, and a shared love for BBYO.

🌍Leading a Global Campaign

This year’s #GivingBBYODay wasn’t just a movement initiative for teens in the United States. With participation from teens in more than 40 countries, we demonstrated that giving is truly a part of BBYO’s global culture. Our expanded Gizborim network played a key role in leading regional campaigns, building hype in their communities, and ensuring that every teen felt empowered to make a difference no matter where they live.

🌟Empowering the Gizborim Network

The strength of our success lies in the hands of the incredible Gizborim Network. This team of regional Gizborim showed extraordinary leadership throughout the year, organizing fundraisers, working with their chapter counterparts, and promoting ISF initiatives. Through regular check-ins, training calls, and resource sharing, we built a connected community of Gizborim who were truly incredible.

📝Distributing Grants that Drive Change

Gamechanger Innovation Granting Team, 16 teens from around the world who manage nearly $50,000 in funding! We reviewed your grants, allocated funds, and helped bring innovative, wow-worthy programming to life, programs that bring new members in the door and elevate programming across the globe. 

🛍️Breaking Records at IC Shuk 2025

Another major highlight of our term was IC Shuk 2025, where our Movement once again proved the power of collective generosity. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Alephs, BBGs, and volunteers, we raised over $100,000 in just a few days, including more than $10,000 directly for the International Service Fund (ISF). From handmade kippot to chapter and regional hoodies, sweatshirts and pants, the Shuk wasn’t just a marketplace, it was a celebration of creativity, community, and commitment to making BBYO stronger for generations to come.

This term was about more than just numbers, it was about building a culture of giving that will last far beyond our year. This year has been more incredible than we ever could have imagined. We are always here as friends and mentors, so don’t ever hesitate to reach out. It has been a true honor to serve as the 7th International Gizborim, and we are beyond proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see how the next generation of Gizborim continues to lead with purpose, passion, and heart. Love you Hannah and Levi.

With so much love and gratitude, 

Alex and Joaco.

From the current Grand Aleph Gizbor and International Gizborit.

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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