AJC ACCESS Leadership Fellowship (ALEF) brings together a talented group of young Jewish leaders to deepen their understandings of antisemitism, develop critical leadership skills, and join a global community of emerging leaders advocating on behalf of the Jewish people. In a post 10/7 world, it is more important than ever that young Jewish leaders join together to make our voices heard.

ALEF is a cohort-based advocacy training program for young professionals aged 22-40 who are seeking to connect with like-minded peers, learn from experts in the field, and engage in real hands-on advocacy work around issues of importance to the Jewish community. After 10/7, many emerging leaders are looking for a space to channel their energy towards something meaningful: ALEF is the place to do so.

Program Outline

ALEF participants will engage in AJC’s mission to stand up for the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the democratic values that unite us all.

The fellowship includes sessions such as:

• Understanding the history of antisemitism and how it manifests today

• Navigating personal and professional networks in a post 10/7 world 

• Advocacy 101: How to build relationships and tell stories with impact

• ACCESS Global: Connecting with young Jewish leaders around the world

• Israel and the Diaspora: Asking the tough questions

• Friendships and Partnerships: Building bridges with other communities

• Off-the-record meetings with legislators and diplomats

• Social opportunities including happy hours, Shabbat dinners, and more!

Applying for ALEF

After filling out this application, potential participants will be contacted for an interview with their regional ACCESS staff. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications are due December 15, 2024.

Note: This application is for ALEF Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington, D.C. You can find the ALEF New York application here. ALEF Atlanta will launch in Spring 2025. AJC is not currently offering ALEF in other cities.

Responsibilities of ALEF Participants

• Attendance at all ALEF sessions

• Give a minimum ACCESS Marshall Society gift of $625 to the AJC annual campaign. All gifts go to fund AJC’s critical work advocating on behalf of the Jewish people

Privileges of ALEF Participants

• Connect with like-minded peers and join a community of thought-leaders

• Learn from AJC experts how to navigate political, diplomatic, and media spaces

• Discounted rate to attend AJC’s Global Forum in New York in April 2025

• Recognition as part of AJC’s Marshall Society

• Invitations to exclusive Marshall Society events and opportunities with your AJC region and AJC Global, including AJC ACCESS travel programs 

• Invitations to national Insider Briefing conference calls with AJC experts

After ALEF

After participation in ALEF, participants are invited to continue growing in their involvement with ACCESS Global with opportunities for local and global leadership positions, ACCESS Marshall Society informational briefings, and community socials and gatherings.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about the ACCESS Leadership Fellowship, please contact Brian Hertz, Assistant Director of ACCESS Global, at hertzb@ajc.org.