My Experience at the BBYO International Convention in Denver

An Update from our Jewish Federation’s Israeli Emissary

Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the BBYO International Convention in Denver, Colorado—one of the largest Jewish teen events in the world. Thousands of Jewish teens from different countries gathered to connect, learn, and celebrate their shared identity. The experience was powerful, not only because of the international atmosphere but also due to the impactful activities we led to raise awareness about Israel and the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Raising Awareness–The Hostage Exhibit

One of the most meaningful initiatives we worked on was setting up a special exhibit focused on the hostages remaining in Gaza. Even though the war and its consequences have dominated headlines, we realized that many of the teens at the conference were unaware of the details.

We created a space where participants could learn about the hostages, carry the hostages pins to show solidarity throughout the conference, and show their support online and in social media while they were taking pictures of the space.

Bringing Israel to the Conference

Beyond discussions about the war, we wanted to bring a different, more vibrant side of Israel to the event. We organized activities that introduced participants to the fun and energetic spirit of Israeli culture. One of the highlights was playing matkot and backgammon with the teens. These games are common on Israeli beaches, and they provided a fun way to engage people while also sparking curiosity about life in Israel.

It was incredible to see how something as simple as a game could create a connection between people. Teens from different backgrounds, some of whom had never been to Israel, got excited about the games, asked questions, and shared their own experiences. For a moment, it felt like we had transported a piece of Tel Aviv to the heart of Denver.

We also talked to the kids about RootOne.

What is RootOne?

RootOne is a program designed to strengthen Jewish identity and connections to Israel by making Israel trips more affordable for North American Jewish teens. It provides grants (vouchers) of up to $3,000 to help reduce the cost of summer trips to Israel, allowing more teens to experience the country firsthand.

Educating and Engaging – Talking About Israel in a Relatable Way

One of the challenges of advocating for Israel is making the information accessible and relevant to younger audiences. Many teens at the conference had been exposed to misinformation online or had limited knowledge about the complexities of the situation. That’s why we focused on speaking in a way that was engaging and easy to understand.

Beyond the specific activities we led, the overall experience of being at BBYO was unforgettable. Walking through the halls and seeing thousands of Jewish teens from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages reinforced the idea that we are part of something bigger. Despite our differences, we share a common bond that transcends geography and politics.

The conference reminded me how important it is to stay engaged, educate others, and continue standing up for Israel. It also showed me that advocacy doesn’t always have to be formal—it can happen through casual conversations, cultural exchanges, and shared experiences.

Omer Karavani
Israeli Emissary
574-233-1164 x1819
Israel@TheJewishFed.org