December 12, 2025
by Lena Frankel
On Sunday, November 16th, I had the pleasure of attending AJC’s Board Retreat and connecting with members in conversations about current events and the forces shaping today’s Jewish community. As a student of international affairs and conflict resolution, I found it both eye-opening and reassuring to hear thoughtful, passionate discussions about the global political climate. As a Jew preparing to enter the workforce and adulthood, I felt genuine solace in experiencing a shared commitment to ensuring a safer world for my generation and the ones that follow. Above all, the opportunity to exchange ideas and mobilize collectively is a profound lesson in the power of communal organization, resilience, and the pursuit of hope during sobering times.
At the Elliott School of International Affairs, I spend my time studying global politics, hierarchies, and pathways to peaceful resolution. It often feels as though these conversations exist only within the walls of my classrooms, isolated from a broader public that seems increasingly apathetic. Attending the Retreat challenged that assumption and renewed my optimism. Watching AJC members across ages and backgrounds come together to discuss policy, alliances, and the implications of the global order on Jews at home and abroad reminded me just how essential this dialogue is. To preserve a Jewish place in society, we must stay vigilant about power structures and decision-making; the Jewish diaspora cannot afford to disengage or look away. Witnessing AJC members delve passionately into Israel’s standing and the security of the Jewish people was deeply inspiring.
In the aftermath of October 7th, I have confronted my Jewish identity more intensely than ever before. I feel determined to stand up for my community and my ancestry by affirming our right to safety, recognition, and self-determination. I have grappled with political homelessness and the fear of nonrepresentation on both sides of the aisle. Difficult conversations with both Jewish and non-Jewish peers have often left me feeling like an outsider. That is exactly why it was refreshing and invigorating to sit at the Retreat among likeminded Jews who share pride in our identity, yet acknowledge and articulate these anxieties. At the Congressional Outreach Committee table, I listened to meaningful ideas on bridging divides and cultivating diplomatic relationships. Even amid a steep rise in antisemitism since October 7th, our shared experience fostered unity, which is a testament to AJC’s leadership. Members continue to show up, ready to make tangible, positive change. Rather than retreat into fear, I saw committed AJC members mobilizing to ensure a visible and resilient presence in the world.
As I approach my graduation, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to intern with AJC this semester and to support the Jewish collective through thoughtful and effective organization. Participating in events like the Board Retreat reinforces my belief that there is enduring power in solidarity. Rallying around the Jewish future, sharing insights, and working to strengthen the next generation through AJC is a gratifying experience that has energized me to continue contributing to the Jewish community.
