Friday's Plenary: In Case You Missed It!

February 14, 2020
Sierra Kaplan

Queens, New York, United States

Class of 2021

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As Reverend Cornell Brooks said, "We are being called on to lead." In a time where systemic anti-Semitism and politically-charged issues are becoming more prevalent, it is up to us, the future leaders of the world, to stand up and make a change. At International Convention 2020 M.B. and Edna Zale Family Foundation LEADs Plenary, over 3,000 teens from 45 different countries convened to listen to trailblazing speakers who facilitate action and change. In case you missed it, here is a glimpse of motivational speakers who we all can seek inspiration from:

Sakeena Yacoobi, an Afghan woman was able to secretly provide the underestimated gift of an education to girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban. We should all listen to her because “if she is a leader, we can all be super-leaders.”

Claire Sarnowski is a teenage activist from Oregon who sought solace in the relationship she formed with a Holocaust Survivor. In response to his death, Claire set precedent in helping pass legislature to require Oregon to discuss the Holocaust in the state's curriculum.

Activists like Michael Skolnik and IC delegate Hannah Alper expressed the significance of speaking up, especially after the tragic events in Parkland, Florida, exactly two years ago.

We are in the midst of a new year, and it calls for a dire shift in how we respond to certain issues in today's society. It is up to us, the future generations to ease the tension, speak up, and remedy dire problems. Tomorrow happens here, and it happens with us.

Sierra Kaplan is a proud BBG from Kallah BBG #2466 in Big Apple Region #12 and loves to sing.

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

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