by 2026 Washington, D.C. LFT Graduate Daniela N., Thomas S. Wootton High School
Growing up near the nation’s capital as a young Jewish person has never been as complex as it became after October 7th. Coming of age in an era in which it feels like I can no longer comfortably share my Jewish identity in my community, whilst seeking—in vain—some sort of political support against local antisemitic incidents and international threats, I have felt increasingly isolated and faced with apathy and hate.
For primarily this reason— the feeling of the Jewish community’s struggles being dismissed and antagonized, with insufficient respite from many elected officials—I decided to join AJC’s Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT). I wanted to increase knowledge about my Jewish identity, effectively battle antisemitism, and make a difference in the greater community. LFT has done all that and more, profoundly shaping me as a person and advocate, now and in the future.
There are few places where young people’s voices are so valued as they are in LFT. It is a program which empowers participants to deeply understand complex issues, devise solutions, and ultimately make real change. The monthly LFT meetings are a haven for exploring difficult ideas, striking the perfect balance between deep instruction and profound discussion. Although we are only high school students, LFT facilitators encourage us to confront some of the greatest challenges and questions Jews are faced with today. They ask us to consider concrete solutions to problems ranging from divisions in the American Jewish community to the Israeli-Arab conflict and more. Critical thinking and creativity are the norms as we are inspired to share our own perspectives and pursue constructive conversation and debate. When so much around me seems far beyond my control, especially as a young person, LFT provided me with the tools, knowledge, and support to work towards tikkun olam, repairing the world.
As part of my experience, I participated in the annual LFT Summit bringing hundreds of participants from across the country together in Washington, D.C. I arrived nervous, uncertain about my future, and feeling somewhat excluded from crafting meaningful change, but left rejuvenated, enlightened, and empowered. I consider those three days of connecting with peers, learning from experts, and growing my skills to be one of my most foundational experiences; there, I realized my capability and responsibility to make a difference for Jews in America and the world.
Learning about the impactful work the AJC does to educate and advocate filled me with hope; hearing from scholars at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy cemented my aspiration to become a diplomat; lobbying the offices of Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks demonstrated to me the pivotal role I play in my democracy. Filled with a new energy and inspiration immediately after the conference, I rushed to attend Maryland Jewish Advocacy Day, continuing to advocate at the state and county level, and in the educational system since.
Beyond providing real-world opportunities, participating in LFT has strengthened my Jewish pride, empowered me to speak out about my identity, and demonstrated how valued the voices of individuals—especially passionate young people—are in the democratic process. I highly encourage any Jewish students to take advantage of this unforgettable program; although we are living in perilous times, it is up to us to gain the foundation to change them.
