Reviving a Legacy: YLD Relaunches the Ben-Gurion Society for Emerging Leaders
This year, Young Leadership Division (YLD) is breathing new life into a time-honored tradition with the return of the Ben-Gurion Society (BGS), a national Jewish Federations of North America program that recognizes and develops young adult philanthropists ages 22–40 who give $1,000 or more annually.
Named for David Ben-Gurion, a visionary who helped build a nation from scratch through courage, imagination, and a willingness to lead before all the pieces were in place, BGS has long served as a training ground for emerging Jewish leaders. His story resonates deeply with today’s young adults who are also laying the groundwork for a meaningful Jewish future.
For Becca Nooromid, Director of Young Leadership Division, bringing BGS back to Atlanta isn’t just about revitalizing a giving society — it’s about empowering a generation. “Ben-Gurion understood that big things start with brave steps,” she shared. “We see that same spirit in the young adults of Jewish Atlanta. They’re ready to learn, ready to lead, and ready to make a real impact.” Becca is seeing a clear shift among young adults who are no longer just seeking social connection but are increasingly motivated by purpose. “People are really starting to see the importance of philanthropy,” she explained. “There’s this feeling of: I’m involved in this community, and now I want to give back to this community.”
The BGS year will kick off with Inside the News with MO, a fireside conversation with Mosheh Oinounou, Emmy-winning journalist, founder of Mo News, and former member of JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet. With over a million followers across platforms and a focus on digestible, unbiased news, Mosheh offers exactly the kind of high-caliber insight Becca hopes to bring to young adults. “His unbiased perspective speaks to a lot of people,” she said. “He has such a strong background covering Israel and antisemitism, and he really understands our community.”
Throughout the year, BGS members will also enjoy exclusive access to intimate programs and entry into professional Affinity Group events like Jewish Commercial Real Estate Network (JCREN) and JTech. “We’ll have high-impact gatherings that you otherwise wouldn’t have access to,” Becca said. She is also working on opportunities for members to experience their impact firsthand. “We want to provide ways for this group to see dollars in action — site visits, impact stories, moments where they really understand what their philanthropy is doing.” As Ben-Gurion demonstrated, bold visions grow from the hands of those willing to begin. With BGS returning, YLD invites young adults to take that first step — to lead with generosity, engage with purpose, and build a vibrant Jewish future together.
To learn more about Ben-Gurion Society, contact Becca Nooromid at rnooromid@jewishatlanta.org.