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"We The Future": BBYO International Convention 2026 Brings 3,400 Jewish Teens to Philadelphia to Lead a New Era of Democracy and Global Jewish Life

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NFLX Zach King, a filmmaker and content creator, is mentioned as a speaker at the BBYO International Convention. His involvement is noted without any specific financial or business implications for Netflix. EAGL

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, nearly 3,400 Jewish teen leaders from 52 countries—along with 900+ adult guests, speakers, educators, activists, and global partners—will gather for BBYO International Convention (IC), in Philadelphia, February 13–16. IC represents the largest annual gathering of Jewish teen leaders in the world and a defining moment for the next generation of voices committed to democracy, pluralism, and global belonging.

This year's convention theme, "We The Future," echoes Philadelphia's legacy as the birthplace of American democracy 250 years ago and affirms BBYO's mission to empower young people to lead with courage and purpose. Throughout the four-day experience, teens will move beyond conversation to action, learning how to listen across differences, lead with courage, and participate meaningfully in civic life. They will also gather to celebrate Shabbat, participate in community service projects, and explore issues shaping the future, including antisemitism, Israel's future in the Middle East, climate change, media literacy, and the ethical implications of AI.

IC 2026 will open with an inspiring plenary address from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, affirming the importance of youth leadership, civic engagement, and Jewish pride at a pivotal moment. Throughout the weekend, IC will feature an exceptional lineup of trailblazers, activists, and influencers including: Danny and Zach Guarino, The Bread Basket Hosts; Zach King, Filmmaker and Content Creator; Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada; Yoel Levy, The Jewish Fitness Coach; Jordan Mailata, Captain and Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles; Michael Solomonov, James Beard Award-Winning Chef; Jackie Tohn, Actress, Writer, and Comic; Omer Wenkert, Former Israeli Hostage; Rebel Wilson, Actress, Comedian and Producer; and a special video address from Isaac Herzog, President of The State of Israel, among others.

"'We The Future' is a call to action for young leaders everywhere," said Matt Grossman, CEO of BBYO. "At a moment of global uncertainty when democracy is being tested around the world, Jewish teens are stepping forward with the leadership skills to defend democratic values, strengthen Jewish unity, and shape a stronger and more connected future."

In addition to thousands of teen attendees from North America, IC 2026 will bring together 480 delegates from BBYO's chapters throughout Europe, Asia, the Former Soviet Union, Latin America, Australia, and Africa. For the first time, teens representing new chapters in Peru, Hong Kong, and South Korea will join the IC experience, further broadening BBYO's global reach. As part of their experience, these teens participated in Global Ambassadors Week (GAW), a cultural exchange and leadership experience preceding IC where participants explore peer-leadership and community-building skills through a variety of modalities, including the arts, technology, politics, sports, and more. Home hosted by Philadelphia and Cherry Hill-area families, delegates were immersed in local Jewish life while sharing their own unique traditions with their peers. Highlights of their time included an interactive global showcase, an NBA game, and an IC Global Launch Party and Havdalah, setting the stage for a memorable experience this week at IC.

"From bold programs to honest conversation, this year's convention reflects how our peers are shaping the future of our Movement and the world around us," shared Asher Klein and Kayla Hertzberg, BBYO's International S'ganim (teen Vice Presidents of Programming). "IC will capture their energy, their creativity, and their drive to lead—this is where Jewish teen leadership really comes alive."

In addition to the teen experience, IC will serve as a gathering place for the Jewish community's most influential philanthropists, leaders, and educators to collaborate on pressing issues affecting young people and youth-serving organizations. With teens at the center, The Jewish Future, Unfiltered will feature a bold series of conversations around democracy, the future of Jewish institutions, and the impact of AI on humanity. More than 100 alumni are also expected to attend IC 2026, reconnecting with friends across generations and sharing reflections with teens in the Movement today on how BBYO has shaped their leadership in adulthood.

Speakers at this year's IC Adult Experience will include Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, Palestinian American humanitarian activist; Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Central Synagogue; Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, Park Avenue Synagogue; Harry Enten, Chief Data Analyst, CNN; Bianna Golodryga, Anchor, CNN International; Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO, Anti-Defamation League; Rabbi Rachel Jacoby Rosenfield, CEO, Shalom Hartman Institute of North America; Gadeer Kamal Mreeh, Israeli Druze politician and journalist; and Dan Senor, Writer and Host of Call Me Back Podcast, alongside BBYO teen leaders who are driving change in their communities.

Unique highlights of the convention this year include:

BBYO will also livestream select sessions on social media via BBYO's Facebook page, Instagram, and YouTube channel. Schedules for streaming throughout the weekend are on BBYO's International Convention event page.

By the Numbers: BBYO International Convention (IC) 2026

ABOUT BBYO

BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences. For more than 100 years, BBYO's purpose has been to unleash the power of youth. BBYO's leadership programs, the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA, high school fraternity) and the B'nai B'rith Girls (BBG, high school sorority), provide exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences, shaping the confidence and character of hundreds of thousands of alumni who are prominent figures in business, politics, academia, the arts, and Jewish communal life. Together, AZA and BBG form a global Jewish teen movement in over 60 countries. With year-round activities in hundreds of local communities, many summer leadership programs, and inspiring worldwide travel experiences, BBYO's programs enable teens to explore all facets of leadership, service, civic engagement, Israeli education, and Jewish values.

Please note that BBYO should not be referred to as the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization but rather as "BBYO."

For more information on BBYO, please visit bbyo.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

SOURCE BBYO