Israeli Council for Youth Organizations Delegation
Photo courtesy of Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County
On Feb. 20, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County welcomed a delegation from the Israeli Council for Youth Organizations (COYO Youth) to learn from campus leadership and experience the impact of a thriving, centralized Federation.
The group, comprised of CEOs from Israel’s largest youth organizations, was welcomed by Rabbi Josh Broide, director of the Deborah & Larry D. Silver Center for Jewish Engagement, and Tova Hocherman, the Federation’s events director. They engaged in discussions on youth education, leadership and collaboration, inspired by the Federation’s integrated model.
“We always look forward to welcoming guests, but hosting a large group from Israel during this time means so much to us,” said Broide. “Their visit was a testament to the unbreakable bond between our communities.”
The delegation toured Donna Klein Jewish Academy, Katz Yeshiva High School, Katz Hillel Day School and several agencies. They were particularly moved by the impactful work of JARC Florida and Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services.
The visit coincided with the return of members of the Bibas family to Israel — an emotional day for the Jewish people. Captured and taken to Gaza during the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas were tragically killed while in captivity. Despite the solemnity, the group left invigorated, eager to adapt the Federation’s strategic vision to their own organizations.
“As COYO visited the Federation, we had the privilege of connecting with the incredible work of this community,” said COYO Youth CEO Shlomi Castro. “Now more than ever, we choose to hold onto the belief that Jewish education and Jewish community are the forces that bring us closer, drive change and turn distances into opportunities for deeper connection.”
For more information, visit jewishboca.org.