How Shinshinim and BBYO Partner to Build Lasting Jewish Connections
February 27, 2026
When BBYO teens in Atlanta walk into a chapter program or regional convention and see Shinshinim waiting to greet them, something powerful happens. Israel stops being abstract. Jewish peoplehood stops being theoretical. And connection becomes personal.
That is the heart of the partnership between the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Shinshinim program and BBYO—a collaboration that has grown steadily since 2023 and is now shaping how hundreds of Jewish teens experience Israel, community, and belonging.
“This wasn’t about adding another program,” said Lindsey Greenstein, Regional Director of BBYO Greater Atlanta. “It was about bringing real relationships into spaces where teens already feel like they belong.”
Through Federation’s support, Shinshinim—young Israeli emissaries living in Atlanta for a year of service—are embedded across BBYO’s 12 local chapters. They attend weekly programs, help lead regional conventions, and share everyday moments with teens from public, private, and Jewish day schools across the metro area.
“They’re not guests,” Lindsey explained. “They’re members of the region. They’re experiencing BBYO life alongside our teens.”
For teens, that consistency matters. As Josh Cooper, an 11th grader and BBYO teen leader, shared, “With the incorporation of the Shinshinim into BBYO, teens are able to gain real-world experience with relatable Israelis, learn about Israel in interesting and creative ways, and forge lasting connections and memories with incredible people.”
“To me, the Shinshinim are like a family,” Josh added. “I am honored to call many of them my brothers (אחים שלי). Without them, Israeli programming in BBYO would not be the same.”
That sense of family became even more profound in the aftermath of October 7. “Having the Shinshinim by our side reassured teens that Israel would not falter,” Josh said. “The strength every one of them displayed during this heartbreaking conflict is something to be marveled at.” One moment still stays with him: hearing a Shinshin say, “We can finally breathe again.”
For Hannah Lipman, a 12th grade BBYO leader, the impact is both personal and communal. “The Shinshinim bring Israel to life for BBYO teens in a way that feels personal and meaningful,” she said. “Through their stories and willingness to build genuine relationships, they help teens connect more deeply to Jewish identity and understand that being Jewish is part of a global community.”
Their presence doesn’t just enhance programming—it transforms it. “Their involvement adds authenticity to BBYO,” Hannah shared, “elevating everyday experiences into moments of connection and growth, and helping teens feel seen, inspired, and proud to be part of something bigger than themselves.”
For Debbie Sasson, who oversees Federation’s Shinshinim program, BBYO represents one of the most impactful placements for the young Israelis. “This is where Shinshinim meet teens who may not be in Jewish spaces every day,” she said. “They’re building trust, listening, and showing up when it matters most.”
Shinshinit, Inbar, is passionate about her involvement with BBYO. “Supporting these teens helps them feel like they belong to the Jewish community and to Israel and they know that we have their back whenever they need us. And, expanding their knowledge about Israel regarding topics that they may have not been exposed to or even been exposed to false information.”
Inbar believes teens are the most impactful group for the future of Israel and the Jewish diaspora. “Even one good connection with one of BBYO teens can impact how they think believe and act regarding Zionism, Judaism, and Israel.”
For Federation donors, this partnership exemplifies how a single investment creates ripple effects across an entire community. By supporting Shinshinim, donors are strengthening Atlanta teens’ connection to Israel and the global Jewish people—one relationship at a time.
This work directly advances Federation’s Israel and Jews Worldwide impact area by nurturing people-to-people bonds that endure long after the program year ends. Through the Shinshinim–BBYO partnership, Federation is helping ensure that the next generation of Jewish leaders feels connected, confident, and never alone.
