February 15, 2013

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (JTA) — President Obama launched this year’s BBYO international convention with a video greeting.

“This gathering gives you a chance to affirm your faith and recommit yourselves to the enduring values this organization represents,” Obama said in the video screened Thursday night at the youth group convention at a resort in National Harbor, Md., a suburb of Washington D.C.

Also addressing the conference, which attracted 2,000 student activist leaders from across the world, are Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, and Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Among those entertaining the conference-goers at a concert are Hoodie Allen, the rapper.

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