Wow. It is hard to believe that we started our term as the 36th International Sh’lichim a year ago. We could only dream of the connections we would create, the impact we would have on the movement, and the milestones we would hit. This year has been one for the books. Reflecting on the amazing journey we had, we could not be more grateful for the opportunities we have been given and the support of all those around us. The support of our community defined the scale of how far we were able to go. Because of the network, buy-in from all those around us, and dedication to our shared vision, we were able to achieve big things and have more #sh’lichimwins than we ever could have imagined.

We started the year at August Execs, passing our motion committing to honoring, remembering, and educating our community about the atrocities of October 7th. We created the initiative, “United in Remembrance, Driven by Purpose” to put our motion into action. In the short span of time between passing the motion and the year anniversary of October 7th, the movement came together to support one another during this time. Leaders around the movement came together to host over 50 programs honoring the lives lost, calling for the release of all the hostages, and creating spaces of reflection for members. During this challenging time, our movement came together as we hosted a Zoom call alongside the Explore Israel Coordinators and Maccabi Tzair Ambassador Program with hundreds of participants. Truly, one of our proudest moments was being able to facilitate the spaces and discussions teens needed during the hardest times. This initiative reached across the movement and built space for teens around the world to reflect, remember, and grieve in community.

After witnessing and facilitating such a powerful initiative, we knew this year's Global Shabbat had to be like never before. Carrying on our sense of unity and strength from October 7th, and working with our Global Shabbat Coordinators, we decided the theme of this year’s Global Shabbat would be “From Strength to Strength.” Thanks to all of you, Global Shabbat was truly like never before. We crushed goal after goal. AZA and BBG collectively hosted more than 150 programs in 38 different countries. We estimate that we engaged over 7,000 teens and almost 3,000 community members, including alumni and families. We showed our strength this year by coming together to innovate programs, create community, and celebrate Jewish joy.

The success of these movement-wide moments was all thanks to the work and dedication of our counterparts. Connecting with our counterparts across the world has been one of the greatest pleasures of serving in these roles. Learning about how countries, regions, councils, and chapters uniquely function while supporting growth and dreaming big has been an incredible experience. We could not be more grateful for the tireless effort from the 36th Sh’lichim network. While working with a vast array of regions, we got the opportunity to support counterparts with unique Sh’lichim structures. In some regions, such as Evergreen, Connecticut Valley Region, and Bulgaria, the role of a Shaliach or Sh’licha is separated into two positions: one overseeing all community service and social action efforts, and another taking the lead on all Judaic and Explore Israel plans. The success in these regions, we learned, is unparalleled. While we know our counterparts are extremely capable, it is undeniable that many are stretched too thin. In our motion passed by the Executive Body at the February Executive Conference, we wrote, “Whereas, in the regions where the responsibilities were split between two positions, members of the Sh’lichim network were able to give full attention to their respective efforts, resulting in more innovative and successful programming.” Due to this, we worked alongside our Stand UP Coordinators to write our motion titled, “Motion: Encourage the Re-Evaluation of the Role of the Shaliach/Sh’licha,” in which we resolved we would “explore delegation of responsibilities within the position of Shaliach/Sh’licha on a community-by-community basis,” encouraging more communities to have two separate roles for their Sh’lichim. The motion successfully passed at the February Executives Conference, and we are looking forward to seeing this implemented—therefore amplifying Stand UP as a whole, allowing for more teens to lead, and recommitting to our values of philanthropy, tikkun olam, and tzedakah.

Throughout this report, we have mentioned our Global Shabbat, Stand UP, and Explore Israel Coordinators. We could not be more grateful to get the opportunity to work with and support each of the incredible leaders within these roles. In the second year of these coordinator roles, we saw innovation like never before. Each team brought their respective initiatives to new heights, and we truly do not know how we would have done our jobs without them. Our Stand UP Coordinators paved the way for the future growth of this extremely important initiative, facilitated a record-breaking J-Serve, and helped write our aforementioned legislation. The entire Global Shabbat team led a powerful Global Shabbat, holding office hours and supporting teens at every level. Our Explore Israel Coordinators repeatedly stepped up and surpassed all expectations—creating programming for IC, honoring Israel’s national days, and recognizing October 7th in a meaningful and thoughtful manner. It has been such an honor to work with every coordinator, and we are extremely proud of the way we have grown these positions to function efficiently.

Along with our partnership with our coordinators, we were lucky enough to work on our partnership with the ADL. The Rise UP Taskforce is a committee within the ILN focused on educating teens on antisemitism and equipping them with the tools they need to combat it. This year, we were fortunate enough to work with the ADL to create a curriculum for the taskforce. After many Zoom calls, we came up with a strategy to bring Rise UP to the next level and could not be more excited to see our successors, Adi and Hailey, continue the work we started. Additionally, at February Execs, we seconded the motion “Reaffirming Rise UP as a Movement Priority.” In the motion, the Executive Body committed to strive to nominate at least one member from each region to serve as a member of the Rise UP Task Force. Be on the lookout for the application to nominate and join the Rise UP Taskforce, because some exciting opportunities are coming.

So, a year has passed. Our term as your 36th International Sh’lichim has come to a close. At the beginning, there were so many unknowns—so many events that were yet to come, obstacles we would have to overcome, and opportunities we didn’t know we had. But looking back, we wouldn’t change a single thing. We are forever grateful for this year, one that we once could only dream about. We want to give a huge thanks to everyone who supported us along this journey. We couldn't have done it without you. From Stand UP to chapter-level programming, this was our legacy, one that not only reaffirmed our movement’s commitments to the responsibilities surrounding our role, but also a legacy that declares the power one can yield in this position.