More than 150 young Jews representing 22 European countries and the United States met in Rome for the second annual Young Jewish Adult Forum from October 31- November 2, hosted by the Stefano Gaj Tache Lodge and B’nai B’rith Europe (BBE). Over the course of the three-day conference, sessions were held on a variety of topics to help build young leadership while Shabbat and Havdallah services served as fun ways to meet people from around the world and network.
“The event was hugely successful in bringing together young Jews from throughout Europe for two and a half days of thoughtful discussion and social interaction,” BBI Young Leadership Outreach Coordinator Renee Howard said. “It provided a wonderful opportunity for BBE to show what a great organization B’nai B’rith is and how young professionals can get involved in their local communities. My hope is that the participants returned home with a sense of belonging and a desire to remain active in the organization.”
B’nai B’rith International (BBI) President Moishe Smith, winner of the 1986 Label A. Katz Award for Outstanding Young Leadership, spoke to the participants, emphasizing their responsibility to be the next generation of leaders in their communities in Europe and around the world.
Discussion topics included “What is B’nai B’rith,” a presentation by Vice President of BBE Ralph Hoffman on the organization’s work in Europe and its structure, and “How to Deliver the Right Message,” a focus on the media’s portrayal of Israel directed by journalist Esther Schapria.
Defender of Jewish and humanitarian rights Arno Klarsfield gave the conference’s closing address, which concentrated on the importance of getting young Jews to mobilize against threats to their local and global Jewish communities.
