Active Jewish Teens (AJT): Ten Years of Programming for Jewish Youth
Active Jewish Teens (AJT) — a program that brings together Jewish teenagers from across the former Soviet Union (FSU) — is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
November 13, 2024
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Active Jewish Teens (AJT) — the flagship JDC program, in partnership with BBYO, that brings together thousands of Jewish teenagers in dozens of cities across the former Soviet Union (FSU) — is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Since its 2014 start with one teen club in Kharkiv, Ukraine, the program has now grown to reach more than 2,800 participants annually across seven countries. As it’s grown, it has also begun to engage younger children, with an offshoot initiative — AJT Junior — reaching nearly 1,700 8- to 12-year-olds in 2023. AJT also works to integrate young Jews with disabilities through its FreeDOM initiative.
In a number of countries throughout the FSU, alumni now proudly volunteer and serve in leadership roles across Jewish Community Centers (JCCs), Hesed social welfare centers, and other JDC-supported institutions. During the last few years, AJT has taken on added significance for Ukrainian Jews, helping to connect and engage young people who have been displaced and impacted by the ongoing conflict.

Before the start of the crisis, Tatiana Avramenko, 17, had never heard of JDC — but then the organization evacuated her from her Mykolaiv home along with her mother, aunt, and cousins. Ten weeks later, when the initial danger had lessened somewhat, she returned home and connected to her local AJT chapter. Now, she joyfully participates in weekly club meetings and regional seminars, and she’s even taken on a leadership role, organizing Shabbat celebrations through the platform’s AJTorah track, which focuses on Jewish education and traditions.
I meet new people, and I gain new knowledge.
All of us have become like a family. We are stronger together, and there’s nothing we can’t do.”
Tatiana Avramenko
Active Jewish Teens (AJT) Participant

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