Los Angeles, CA — April 6, 2026

J Los Angeles (JLA) proudly welcomed the Tel Aviv cohort of the Diller Teen Fellows to Los Angeles this past week, marking a powerful and deeply meaningful exchange at a pivotal moment for the global Jewish community.

Out of 16 Diller communities worldwide, only two in the United States were able to host their Israeli partner cohorts this year. Against the backdrop of ongoing challenges in Israel since October 7, 2023, the arrival of the Tel Aviv fellows in Los Angeles was both unexpected and extraordinary.

"We truly did not know if this experience would be possible this year," said David Siegel, CEO of J Los Angeles. "To have these remarkable young leaders with us at this moment has been an absolute honor. It is inspiring, emotional, and a powerful reminder of the strength of Jewish peoplehood."

The visit was part of the Jewish Community Mifgash (JCM), a cornerstone experience of the Diller Teen Fellows program, which pairs Jewish teens from global communities with peers in Israel. The program brings together young leaders to explore identity, responsibility, and their role in shaping a better future.

Throughout the week, fellows from Los Angeles and Tel Aviv engaged in a dynamic series of experiences across the city. They visited Jewish day schools and synagogues, met with community leaders, participated in meaningful discussions, and immersed themselves in the diversity of Jewish life in Los Angeles. Just as importantly, they built authentic relationships connecting across cultures, geographies, and lived experiences.

Despite coming from vastly different realities, the teens bonded immediately, united by a shared sense of purpose and commitment to leadership. The exchange fostered not only dialogue, but deep camaraderie and mutual understanding.

Diller Teen Fellows is a global leadership initiative that engages teens from 32 communities across seven countries, empowering them to strengthen their Jewish identities and become active contributors to tikkun olam (repairing the world). The partnership between Los Angeles and Tel Aviv is a cornerstone of that mission.

"This week was a celebration of Jewish joy, resilience, and connection," added Arya Donay, Diller Teen Fellow Program Coordinator at J Los Angeles. "In a time when so much feels uncertain, these teens showed us what is possible when we invest in the next generation of leaders."

J Los Angeles extends its deep gratitude to the host families, community partners, and supporters who made this experience possible.