Last week, the B’nai Brith Youth Organization (BBYO) decided to bring it all back to where it all began.

Hundreds of teenagers from across the globe converged on Omaha, Neb., for BBYO’s annual August Executives meetings. This year’s event held special significance as it marked the organization’s 100th anniversary. Unlike previous years when the August Executives meetings were primarily hosted at Pearlman Camp in Pennsylvania, the milestone centennial led to a unique choice of location: Omaha.

The decision to move the event there was spurred by a desire to pay homage to the city’s integral role in BBYO’s history and development. It was spearheaded by St. Louis philanthropist and Omaha native Michael Staenberg.

“I felt it was important to bring this special anniversary meeting back to Omaha where BBYO got started,” said Staenberg. “Back in the late 60s, I was president of AZA #1 in Omaha. It’s the very first AZA chapter, and that experience changed my life.”

Staenberg believed this event was more than just a celebration of BBYO’s century-long journey. It was also an opportunity to honor the legacy of Henry Monsky, who is credited with helping create B’nai Brith, BBYO, Boys Town and other youth-supporting organizations.

“I think it’s important to remember the past,” said Staenberg. “Much of what the Jewish community has today would not exist without Henry Moskey, and very few people remember him. I want people to know who he was, and how we got here.”

By encouraging the youth to remember the contributions of Monsky and other pioneers, Staenberg aimed to ensure that the next generation of Jewish leaders would continue to build upon the values and ideals that shaped BBYO’s history.

Two such young Jewish Leaders are Norah Gross and Joey Carson of St. Louis.

Gross and Carson, both 17, have been involved in BBYO since they were each 12 years old. Now both hold leadership positions. Gross is a member of BBG chapter Shira and is the new President of BBG (B’nai Brith Girls). Carson is a member of Esperanto AZA #2486 and is the new President of St. Louis AZA.

“I think the experience enhanced my leadership skills and taught me valuable lessons I can apply to St. Louis BBYO and my life outside of that,” said Gross. “I was able to meet people who have the same position and passion for BBYO from 62 countries around the world.”

“At this conference, I learned about leadership, BBYO globally and its impact, as well as the 100-year history of AZA. I was able to come back home from it as a better and more mature leader,” added Carson.

And as Staenberg may have hoped, the story of Henry Moskey had an impact.

“I learned how he and his friends were not allowed to join a certain club at their school, as well as the struggles and setbacks the founders and Henry went through, and how they overcame all of this to create their own club for Jewish teens in Omaha,” said Carson. “I was surprised by their determination to voice their opinions in their own way. To be able to start their own club is difficult to begin with, but they wouldn’t expect how much it has grown globally since then.”

That hard work and dedication is now something Carson and Gross have brought back home to BBYO in St. Louis.

“We want St. Louis to acknowledge how big BBYO and its presence is in St. Louis, and how we will continue to stay strong for years down the line. BBYO is something for Jewish teens to be proud of, and I want to make sure that happens this year,” said Carson.