Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) is AJC’s leadership and advocacy program for Jewish high school students. Abby Hill, an LFT participant and rising junior at Barstow, writes about her experience.
Before participating in the Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) 2022-2023 Kansas City cohort, I was very uneducated about antisemitism, Israel, and Jewish history. My naïve brain, before starting this program in August, thought I would never have to engage in conversations where I would need to advocate for the Jewish people, but with the rise in antisemitism and the current events in Israel, I have had to be part of these discussions. Instead of staying silent as I would have before, I have educated myself and taken part in these discussions to advocate for both Israel and the Jewish people.
Before LFT, I did not know much about Israel’s history or current events or how to engage in conversations with accurate information and nuance. LFT provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the history of Israel, from the Jewish people’s indigeneity to the land to its numerous conflicts and to current events that are changing history. While diving into Israel’s history, we looked at different perspectives of past conflicts in order to gain an understanding of all sides of the issues.
Along with limited knowledge about Israel, I began LFT with minimal knowledge of antisemitism. I knew that antisemitism existed, but I did not know about specific stereotypes and some types of antisemitism that the average person might overlook. LFT taught me about the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as well as the different types of antisemitism, whether they be remarks out of ignorance, or hateful statements using antisemitic tropes and stereotypes. In the past, I would have stayed silent or laughed off a situation, but LFT taught me to not only shut down any harmful antisemitic behavior, but to provide reasoning as to why the behavior is harmful. I have always had trouble confronting antisemitism without having any reasons to back up why certain actions or speech are harmful, but I have learned that providing education to the person is just as, if not more, impactful than simply shutting it down. I now feel comfortable combatting situations in which antisemitism is used and identifying when someone or something is antisemitic.
In March, I had the privilege of attending the LFT Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., where I got to use the knowledge I had accumulated over the previous six months and put it into practice with other LFT cohorts around the country. Going on the trip was truly one of the most incredible and eye-opening experiences I have ever had. I enjoyed listening to the variety of speakers and getting to go to the political capital of the country to put my knowledge to use. This experience taught me that some of my experiences with antisemitism and anti-Zionism are unfortunately normal, but that I am not alone, and there are ways to combat them. It was incredible to see how these issues are being combatted at a national and global level instead of leaders staying silent about antisemitism.
As well as education, LFT has given me the opportunity to make new friends. On the trip, I made connections with students from all over the country. Most importantly, I got to form stronger bonds with my fellow Kansas City cohort members, and I left D.C. after only a day and a half knowing my friends better than when I arrived. Through LFT, I have met so many people who have had a lot of the same experiences as me, which is very comforting and important to have as a Jewish teen. I am one of the very few Jewish students at my small school, so being around other Jewish students lets me know that I am not alone. We get to share our experiences as Jewish teens and come up with ways to combat antisemitism together in our community, such as speaking to our school administration about educating our peers, or simply making connections with them in case an antisemitic situation arises.
Before LFT, I would have never taken part in conversations regarding Israel, nor would I have ever called out antisemitic behavior. It can be scary and uncomfortable for anyone to call out and advocate against harmful behavior, but LFT has taught me that it is vital to educate not only myself, but others as well about antisemitism and Israel’s current and past events. LFT has been such an incredible experience, and it has truly sparked my passion for advocating and educating others about the Jewish people and Israel. After I graduate from the LFT program this May, I hope to continue my advocacy journey as well as give others an amazing experience as I have had.
JCRB|AJC just graduated its fourth class of LFT students, and is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 year. Through this year-long program, students learn about antisemitism, Zionism, and Israeli history and contemporary politics. The students learn tangible tools and skills to be effective leaders and advocates for themselves and for the Jewish community.
