May 9, 2025
Reflection from a 2024-2025 LFT student
I joined AJC New England’s Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) program because I wanted to gain confidence and education as a Jewish American teen. The past few years, and especially after October 7th, I found myself having to represent and answer complicated questions about Jewish identity and Israel. I was anxious about being defenseless and not knowing how to provide a Jewish perspective in a clear, confident, factual, and productive way. I wanted to avoid sounding like I was driven by emotions rather than facts. I was looking to gain knowledge because education is the strongest foundation for having these productive, but difficult, conversations. I was searching for the knowledge and the words to understand and explain the complexities of antisemitism and Israel. This is what led me to the LFT program.
I am glad to report that the LFT program greatly expanded my understanding of Jewish history, values, culture, the complexities of the U.S./Israel relationship, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Joining the LFT program with like-minded students who I could relate to and learn from opened a huge door for me. The other students in my LFT cohort all came from different Jewish backgrounds. I was grateful to discover a community of peers with shared leadership goals and an interest in building a better future for American Jews.
As a senior, I know I will likely have to face some of these issues and conversations over the next several years in college and then beyond. Because of the LFT program, I feel more prepared for these situations. LFT provided me with the tools and resources to confidently engage in these conversations in order to become a better advocate for American Jews and Israel, and to have a positive impact on my community. I feel more engaged in current events and can parse them better with this new knowledge.
Thank you to my cohort leaders, Coree Dovev and Aaron Gordon, for all that they have taught me.
Applications for the 2025-2026 LFT New England cohort are now open! Sessions will run from October to April in the Newton/Brookline area. Click here to apply today!
