By: Eden Rosenstock, HANC
The theme of this year’s NCSY 4G Convention was “Hineini,” being fully present in the moment, wherever you are. From February 27 to March 2, there was nowhere else I would rather have been. Every year, the NCSY 4G Convention brings together girls from different communities for an inspiring and unforgettable weekend. It’s a time to connect with and make new friends, hear from amazing speakers, and grow in our Yiddishkeit. From inspiring discussions to fun activities, every part of the convention is designed to uplift. This year, I was lucky enough to join 250 other high school girls to experience how amazing 4G Con really is.
The program began Thursday night with an energizing party yacht. As we boarded the boat, we received matching dri-fit shirts with the convention theme, “Hineini.” Soon, girls and advisors were dancing together on every floor of the boat, setting the tone for an exciting weekend. After hours of dancing, we sat down, arms linked, for our first of many inspiring kumzits. Though I didn’t know most of the girls, coming from different 4G regions across North America, it was clear that the Achdus 4G inspires was felt by all.
Friday morning proved to be just as inspiring. After a delicious breakfast, we heard from Mrs. Chana Grove, who shared her powerful journey to finding Hashem, reminding us that we were placed exactly where Hashem wants us to be. Her speech was followed by chaburahs with advisors, designed for each girl to meet new people and learn in a comfortable setting. Every activity sparked insightful discussions, with singing and dancing throughout, especially during a challah bake inspired by Agam Berger. As we braided dough, beautiful divrei Torah helped us reflect on our connection to Hashem and our Yiddishkeit, embodying the theme of being present with ourselves and with Hashem. Shabbos was both fun and extremely meaningful. In between daveningand delicious meals, we had the opportunity to hear inspiring shiurim, learn with our advisors, and meet new friends. With brand new sefarim we were provided with, girls could be seen sitting and learning all around the hotel. Shabbos also gave us with time to connect to our advisors. Per NCSY tradition, one of the many highlights of Shabbos was Ebbing—sitting with all the girls to sing together and feel inspired as Shabbos ebbed away. On Motzaei Shabbos, all the girls came together for an incredible, high energy concert. Outfitted in our matching 4G shirts and faces decorated with glitter, we sang and danced with our newly made friends. The 4G Convention truly embodied the theme of “Hineini”—being fully present and ready to embrace the moment. Throughout the weekend, we were encouraged to step up, connect deeply with ourselves, each other, and Hashem. From powerful speeches to meaningful activities, we were reminded that we are exactly where we need to be, and the experiences of 4G Con left us feeling both inspired and deeply connected.
HAFTR Hosts Yeshiva League Model Congress
By Alexandra Fuchs, 12th Grade
HAFTR YLMC 2
HAFTR High School hosted the annual Yeshiva League Model Congress tournament on Sunday, March 16. One hundred seventy-five students and 35 presiding officers from 19 different schools from Long Island, Manhattan, Westchester, Philadelphia, and New Jersey gathered together and competed in the tournament, with 21 different committees.
Students had the privilege of hearing from keynote speaker, Mrs. Mazi Melesa Pilip, a Jewish Nassau County Legislator. Philip served in the Israel Defense Forces and attended college at University of Haifa and graduate school at Tel Aviv University. Pilip is very passionate about combating antisemitism and using her voice to stand up for the Jewish people. Pilip shared empowering words of encouragement to the students on the importance of using their voices as they are the upcoming Jewish leaders of the next generation. “We, Jewish people, all know the truth,” said Pilip. “It is our responsibility to go out there, use our voices, and fight for the Jewish people.”
Coach Alex Libkind, Citron’s Online National Speech and Debate District founder, organized this event with the assistance of HAFTR High School’s Head of School, Ms. Naomi Lippman. Additionally, HAFTR High School’s Yeshiva League Model Congress captains, Kayla Fauziev, Sophia Feiler, Alexandra Fuchs, and Sophie Gober, were integral in helping to plan the event, along with training and preparing students for the competition.
“We are very excited to have so many passionate students compete in the Yeshiva League Model Congress tournament,” said Coach Alex Libkind. “All students had to submit bills or resolutions, and debate was quite robust. We even threw a few crises in, including Harry Potter and the Constitutional Protection of Magic and The Dawn of the Second British Empire, among others.”
HAFTR High School sophomore Gigi Hersh and junior Matthew Schein both placed at the top of their committees; Hersh placing third overall in the very competitive Crisis committee, and Schein placing second in the Appropriations–Banking & Finance/Ways & Means committee.
HANC High School Seniors Watch “October 8th”
By: Rachel Cohen
This past Wednesday, March 19, HANC offered seniors the opportunity to see a new documentary, October 8 at the AMC 10 Theatre in Westbury. The film delves into the antisemitism which has been occurring on college campuses, social media, and all across America since the October 7th massacre against Israel by Hamas.
By investigating how Hamas has permeated U.S. institutions, and the scary reality that Iran, China, and Russia have also played a role in the wave of antisemitism, the movie was difficult to watch, but important. The clips from October 7th and violent rallies around the world moved many to tears.
The documentary included Zionist activists, such as Noa Tishby, Hollywood stars, such as Debra Messing, politicians such as Congressman Ritchie Torres, and student leaders who have been on the front lines facing the antisemitic battle on campus. While the need for films such as October 8 is heartbreaking, it is important and meaningful that we attended and learned from such an impactful movie.
