My internship with AJC San Diego taught me how to build relationships with community organizations, create resources, and confidently share my own experiences to encourage other high school students to get involved. Before I started looking for internships, I thought it would be a difficult process. But then I remembered all of the amazing memories I had made through AJC, especially being part of the Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) program. LFT is a year-long program for Jewish high school students. Through monthly sessions, we learn about our Jewish identity, Israel, advocacy, how to fight back against antisemitism, and so much more.
Looking back at how much of an impact AJC has had on me, I knew right away it was the perfect place to intern. Joining LFT taught me so much about myself, my peers, and how to make a difference in the Jewish community and beyond.
It started when my dad encouraged me to attend the 2025 AJC Standing Together Against Antisemitism Summit and participate in its Teen Track. It was the first time I had ever experienced such a large Jewish community, and it felt so meaningful to be part of something so important. After the conference, I decided to apply for LFT, and that's when my journey really began. I was very nervous at first because I wasn't sure what it would be like to talk about difficult topics with people my own age. We started by learning about our Jewish identity. It sounded pretty simple and straightforward, but once we started talking, I realized how complex it really is. I learned that my Jewish identity is made up of so many things, including my love for Israel and the family I have living there. It's the joy Shabbat brings me as my family sings, dances, and celebrates together every Friday night. Even wearing my necklace with the outline of Israel and a Star of David to school has given me so much confidence and pride as I walk through the hallways with my head held high.
As the sessions continued, I began to understand just how important it is for our generation to not only know the facts, but also to know how to have respectful and effective conversations with other students and community members about difficult topics. One of the highlights of the program was traveling to Washington, D.C. for our Shabbaton and AJC Advocacy Summit. Thanks to the generosity of the Melvin Garb Foundation and Susan and Bart Lewis, the trip was completely free for our entire cohort. The Shabbaton brought us together in a whole new way. We got to experience everything D.C. had to offer while celebrating Shabbat together before joining the other LFT cohorts from across the country for the Summit. There was such a strong sense of community, and it was inspiring to meet so many Jewish teens who were passionate about the same things I was. From hearing incredible speakers, including AJC CEO Ted Deutch, to meeting with our California Senators' offices to advocate against the rise in antisemitism, I realized that our voices really can make a difference. With college just around the corner for many of us, it felt especially meaningful to speak up about creating campuses where Jewish students feel safe and supported.
LFT graduation gave us a chance to present our advocacy projects, initiatives we had been brainstorming and working on since the beginning of LFT. It was such a meaningful way to wrap up the year. When people talk about Israel, the conversation almost always comes back to war and politics, but that doesn't reflect the full picture of such a diverse, creative, and inspiring country. Because of this, I created an Instagram account called "Israel Beyond the Noise," where I share stories about Israeli athletes, actors, innovations, and everyday life. Follow me @israelbeyondthenoise25.
My goal is to show relatable examples of Israel and Israeli culture that people can connect with. Many students my age have never actually met an Israeli, so their understanding often comes from headlines or social media. That can create misconceptions, and sometimes even contribute to antisemitism. I've even noticed that some Jewish students feel disconnected from Israel because of that same limited exposure. Creating this account has given me a way to advocate that feels meaningful, especially since so many teenagers get most of their news from social media.
This summer, I got to go behind the scenes as an intern at AJC and managed our recruitment process for this upcoming year. I helped create organizational documents, designed resources, reached out to organizations and leaders around the community, and got to pitch LFT to people all over San Diego. Every phone call I made to synagogues and Jewish organizations reminded me how much this program has impacted my own life. It made me excited to come into the office each day knowing that I might help another student discover the same confidence, community, and purpose that I found through LFT.
To anyone considering applying this year, don’t wait. I know firsthand how much this program can impact someone's life, and I'm excited to help more students experience it for themselves.
Naomi Nassi
