BBYO is a peer-led, Zionist and pluralist youth movement. It is open to all Jewish youth between the ages of 13-18 wishing to take part in different activities in a young, vibrant surrounding.

In 1924, a group of boys formed a fraternity in Omaha, Nebraska. The society was named the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA, standing for Ahava Tzadakah Achdu't, meaning brotherhood, charity and unity. The B'nai B'rith Youth Organisation formed from the AZA, incorporating the B'nai B'rith Girls (BBG) in 1927.

History of BBYO Timeline

Early history

AZA

1923: Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) was established as a Jewish fraternity in Ohama, Nebraska.

AZA stands for Ahava, Tzadakah Achdu’t (brotherhood, charity and unity).

The fraternity was formed when a traditional American fraternity did not allow Jews to join, the name of that fraternity was Alpha Zeta Alpha, hence the AZA.

The first president of AZA was Abe Baboir and within a year BBYO had spread to Kansas.

3^rd May 1924: BBYO was declared an international organisation.

1925: B’nai B’rith adopted AZA as its official youth programme and the Shofar, the international newspaper of BBYO was drawn up.

1926: the first international headquarters opened in Omaha, Nebraska.

At this time, chapters began to spread throughout the United States and Canada and international conventions were held and international officers were elected.

1929: The first international chapter that was established was set up in Calgary, Alberta.

BBG

1927: A sister group to AZA was thought about early on in the history of BBYO and efforts were made to establish a female group in New Jersey, however it did not survive.

1927: Rose Mauser established the first permanent B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG) group in San Francisco, California.

After both the AZA and the BBG were firmly established as youth organisations, they were adopted by B’nei B’rith and the B’nei B’rith Youth Organsation (BBYO) which we know and love was formally established.

BBYO UK

4^th July 1926: At 10.30 AM at the Great Central Hotel on Marylebone Road, B’nai B’rith was established in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

1940: BBYO spread quickly across the globe and the first BBYO chapter reached the British Isles with the establishment of a chapter in Leeds, called AZA 481 in the newly established District 15.

1943: an AZA group was established in Birmingham.

1944: the first London chapter was established in Hampstead.

1948: the first BBG chapter was founded in Leeds.

1949: the first District 15 national convention took place in Hull and Hans Blanc was elected as the first national president of BBYO.

1954: Stanmore BBYO was founded.

1957: Bournemouth BBYO was founded.

1966: Janet Ross became the first BBYO UK director and office worker.

1968: Masada (Barnet) BBYO was founded.

1969: The London BBYO groups start a social welfare program by acquiring a bus, which they converted into a mobile play area to tour areas where children lacked adequate play facilities.

1973: 30 members from London, Hull, Manchester, Coventry and Nottingham went on the first BBYO Israel Tour for 5 weeks.

1975: Bnai Brith Young Adults reorganised and the eight young adult lodges incorporated into Bnai Brith instead of forming the other half of the Bnai Brith youth program along with BBYO.

1980: First BBYO shaliach started work.

1983: YONI (Nottingham) BBYO was founded.

1983: First office opened in continental Europe (D19). Chapters were set up in France, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Austria.

1997: Radlett BBYO was founded.

2001: Masada BBYO was re-founded.

2003: BBYO holds its first Shorashim.

2005: Deganya BBYO was founded.

2006: Birmingham BBYO established.

2008: BBYO moves out of Hillel House and relocates to Hendon.