Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ’s Interfaith Teen Leaders program brings together a diverse group of 30 high school students—Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Catholic, Latter-Day Saint, and more—who, over the past eight months, have built relationships grounded in curiosity, respect and shared experience. They have visited each other’s houses of worship, celebrated holidays side by side, and worked together on meaningful service projects.
Their recent trip to Washington, DC was a continuation of that journey.
Over two days, the teens traveled together for an overnight allyship experience, visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. After months of building connection through joy and celebration, this trip asked the teens to confront painful histories together, and to consider what it means to stand up for others—the foundation for fighting antisemitism and hate.
“Coming together with people of different faiths and sharing this experience felt really good, especially in today’s world,” said Oliver, a Jewish student.
At the Holocaust Museum, students learned about the dangers of unchecked hatred. “The most impactful moment for me was seeing all of the shoes… it showed that the horrors are real,” shared Emma, a Latter-Day Saint teen.
For some, the experience was deeply personal. Eight of the students on the trip were Jewish, including two descendants of Holocaust survivors. Experiencing the museum alongside peers of different faiths added another layer of meaning. “I was moved by getting to experience the Holocaust museum with people who had never been before,” said Maya, who is Jewish.
The group also had the opportunity to hear from Ruth Cohen, a 96-year-old survivor of Auschwitz, bringing history into the present.
At the National Museum of African American History and Culture, teens explored the legacy of slavery and systemic racism, and how that history continues to shape society today. “In history class in school we learn about numbers and statistics, but on this trip we got to see the story, the undeniable story, behind each statistic, making what we learn in history class feel even more real and giving us a stronger inspiration to make change,” said Anisha, who is Hindu.
And while the museums provided powerful learning, the connections between the teens continued to grow in quieter—and sometimes lighter—moments.
“The most impactful thing for me was creating bonds with new people and putting all of our moments into one big impactful group,” said Sakeena, who is Muslim.
“I stepped out of my comfort zone to meet people I can now call my friends,” added Millie, a Catholic teen.
At the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the group reflected on the courage it takes to stand as an ally even when it’s difficult.
“The most important thing that I learned from the trip is that human connection, love and unity can be found in the darkest of times,” said Eliza, a Latter-Day Saint participant. “There will always be hate, but there will always be a stronger love.”
The group bonded over an evening escape room, laughing and working together to solve challenges. On the long bus ride home, teens from different faiths sang and danced together—capturing just as much of the story as the museum visits.
That sense of connection—across difference, across experience—is at the heart of the program.
“The news is so heartbreaking at the moment,” shared one Catholic parent after the trip. “But to see all our children… come together to learn from one another and have fun and stand together really gives me hope.”
Recruitment is already underway for the next Interfaith Teen Leaders cohort. Rising 10th and 11th graders of all religions are invited to apply now.