Prior to the International Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, I reached out to a friend of mine from CLTC and Kallah. I wanted to interview a senior member, one dedicated to BBYO. I asked Levi Fox, a senior from Lonestar Region, if he’d answer some questions I had from his perspective as a senior and aleph. A week or so after the interview, to my surprise, Levi was announced as a candidate for Grand Aleph Godol, and a few days later: he was elected. 

מאז שאני מכיר אותו, לוי היה אדם נהדר וחבר נפלא. אני גאה שהצלחתי לראיין אותו. 

שאלות ותשובות

מהו דבר אחד שהאזור שלך עושה שלדעתך הוא ייחודי/מיוחד?

דבר אחד שלונסטאר עושה שהוא ייחודי, אם כי לא בלעדי, הוא שכהונות הדירקטוריון האזורי שלנו מתחילות ומסתיימות בחורף. זה תמיד הופך לנושא לדיון בין אנשים באזורים אחרים שהם אזורי אביב וחושף את הנושא של איזה מהם טוב יותר ומדוע. תמיד מצאתי את זה מעניין, ואני אישית נהנה להיות אזור חורף.

מה הייתה החוויה הבינלאומית הראשונה שלך, אם בכלל; מדוע אתה חושב שהתנועה הבינלאומית חשובה, לצד ארגונים מקומיים וסניפים?

החוויה הבינלאומית הראשונה שלי הייתה בכנס CLTC השביעי אי שם בשנת 2019. השתתפות בכנס CLTC חיזקה לי את הרעיון שהתנועה הזו מסוגלת באמת להשפיע על העולם. שמה שמתחיל בתנועה הזו יכול באמת לשנות את העולם לטובה. התנועה כולה חשובה ביותר. בלעדיה, לאף אחד מאיתנו לא הייתה הפלטפורמה להפיץ מסרים של שינוי לעולם.

באיזה פרק אתם נמצאים ומה אתם הכי אוהבים בפרק שלכם?

I hail from Jack Lubel AZA #2092 in Houston, Texas (Lonestar. Not NTO.).I have always felt at home in my chapter. I truly believe that each chapter seems to attract its own group of personalities and I love every Aleph that’s in my chapter. They are a second family to me and there is no other chapter I’d rather be in.

How did you become a part of BBYO?

Siblings. Ah yes. The story is told by every Aleph & BBG. My mom woke me up early one Sunday and told me I had to go join a “thing” my two older sisters were in. I could not have imagined then what this organization would bring me. Ever since then, I haven’t looked back. I truly love this organization and love what we can accomplish together.

When did you become a BBG/Aleph in your heart?

Oy. Good question. I would have to say at our regional convention back in 2019. My chapter was in a ballroom of a hotel and we were talking. We were talking about the impact we can have if only we delve into BBYO. I talked briefly about wanting to be on the chapter board. The rest of the chapter cheered me on and ever since then, I have felt at home with my family of brother, sister, and sibling Alephs and BBGs.

What message do you want to pass to future members of BBYO?

I want to pass the idea that if you become a member of BBYO, and not just registering to be in BBYO, but being an active member by attending chapter experiences and exploring new ideas, BBYO is truly a place that can change your life. The experiences you will have at BBYO will truly form you into a better person and prepare you for life after BBYO.

What can be improved in chapters/regions/internationally/BBYO as a whole? 

Communication! Especially among Alephs, we don’t talk about how much we love BBYO outside of BBYO. We have to normalize inviting people to chapter programming at school in the hallways, texting on a Tuesday night, and truly becoming a community.

 What will you never forget about BBYO?

The people. Those you meet at BBYO will become some of your best friends. Your cheerleaders. Your supporters. Your lifeline. I will never forget those that created this path before me and I can’t begin to imagine what those ahead of us are able to accomplish.

While I am a senior, about to graduate, and about to say my last “Eternally submitted with undying love and devotion,” I can’t wait to see what Levi and all members of BBYO will accomplish next year, and the year after, and after, and so on.