About Us

Districts and Regions

National Execs past and present

BBYO Ideology

AZA Blue Book

BBYO District 15 Constitution

About Us --> History
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.

The first BBYO chapter established in England and Ireland (District 15) was Leeds, in 1940. Now there are over 10 chapters in District 15. Today, BBYO is the world's largest Jewish youth group, with over 35 000 members in more than 1000 chapters. Over half a million teenagers have been part of BBYO, in all parts of the world.

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About Us --> What We Are
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. BBYO advocates the centrality of the state of Israel and the promotion of Aliyah. The members are encouraged to play an active role in both the Jewish and general community. This proactive approach creates confident and competent leaders who make BBYO unique.

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About Us --> How We Work
As BBYO is peer-led, it is run for the youth, by the youth. Local chapters have an elected executive made up of members of the chapter. The positions on this executive are President, Vice, Programmer, Jewish and Zionist Awareness, Welfare, Treasurer and Secretary. Chapter executives organise and run weekly meetings, socials and fundraisers.

BBYO chapters include: Birmingham; Bournemouth; Brighton; Dublin; Ealing; Hampstead Garden Suburb; Leeds; Manchester; Nottingham; Pinner; Radlett; Stanmore; Woodside Park.

The whole district is led by the national executive, elected at National Veida at the end of August. The national executive is made up of BBYO members who have previously served on chapter executives and are entering year 12 or 13. The national executive supports the chapters, ensuring the highest programming and leadership standards.

BBYO employs a Youth Director, Education and Development co-ordinator and Administrator who work in the BBYO office. Their role is to support the national executive on practical and educational aspects. BBYO alumni, known as Bogrim make up the Youth Commission which supports both the chapters and the national executive in an advisory role.

BBYO also runs a number of events throughout the year. Every event is themed - combining social, educational and leadership activities. Events are staffed by bogrim, Shnat (yearcourse) graduates and the national executive, ensuring the highest programming standards. Events vary from residential to "home hospitality" where participants stay with members of the chapter hosting the event. BBYO also runs various Israel and International programmes.