Two Local Youths Elected as New International Officers BY BOAZ DVIR 305-721-6455 Special Correspondent She will now have to wait a year for orientation. opposition to the U.S. government before going to Yale to study po- They have been preparing for land-for-peace option. South Florida's Jewish leaders litical science or international their positions by talking to past often voice concern about the relations. presidents and by reading. Porth "It's not fair," Porth said. Both lack of dedication to Judaism on Porth, who last year served as is now reading Members of the express strong feelings for the the part of local youths. BBYO international vice- Tribe by Ze'ev Chafets, in which BBYO experience. Some local leaders complain president, plans to earn a Bran- the Israeli journalist describes "I feel that BBYO is now more that the area's young Jews don't deis degree in Judaic studies and different Jewish communities important than ever," Smith said. develop strong Jewish identities, law. Both plan to go to law throughout North America. school, but neither wants to be a Jason sees it through a more that they don't engage in Jewish Wendy is now reading The lawyer. Wendy's not sure about personal point-of-view. activities, and that they are not Source by James Michener. eager to preserve what has been her professional destination, Both feel they are ready to an- "Over the past four years," be created in 4,000 years of a peo- while Jason said he wants a job swer questions about Jewish said, "BBYO has opened my eyes ple's struggle to keep the flames with a Jewish organization like issues with confidence and to Γep- to everything in the world. I'll be DR. MANUEL PORTH of Judaism burning. AIPAC. resent the Jewish youth with pride very sad to leave it at the end of Eighteen-year-old Wendy "I like working for the Jewish and dedication. Both voice strong the year." Smith and Jason Porth should community," he said. "I like the help put some of these leaders' unity, the sense of community. minds at ease. At least these two Whatever I choose to do, it will young people will show them that be for the Jewish community." the local youth does have the po- He's also considering making tential to preserve and develop aliyah, although for now he man- Jewish traditions and ideals. ages to fulfill his Zionist drive by Smith, of Plantation and Porth, helping Soviet and Ethiopian who grew up in Coral Springs and Jews. often flies from Michigan to Fort In December he set up, Lauderdale to visit with his father THE PRESIDENTS Wendy Smith and Jason Porth together with a Reconstructionist and grandparents, are young lead- rabbi, a 50-member BBYO chap- ers who seem to value their herit- tion in the world. Presidents are ter in Vilnius, capital of Li- age and who seem determined to ties, including having to defer thuania. elected by their peers during the devote themselves to fueling the college for the year, giving August international convention. This year, Smith and Porth plan 408 P01 fire of Judaism. speeches, writing internal re- Smith is the third B'nai B'rith to visit the Soviet Union, Poland, They have been elected to the leases, writing a column for the female from Florida who has Israel and other countries in Eur- most prestigious positions in the organization's newspaper, Shofar, served as international president. and reporting to the B'nai B'rith ope and South America. But they young Jewish community the The past two presidents came will spend most of their time international presidencies of the from Jacksonville and Miami. international leadership. It's a full touring North America. B'nai Brith Youth Organization. time fun job. Being a BBYO president is a Porth will first explore the With 35,000 members position that, like the Navy, of- "I would describe it as being a Southeast, while Wendy will head throughout the world, BBYO is fers plenty of travel opportunities. communicator and motivator," west. They will start their journey the largest Jewish youth organiza- said Smith, who finished Nova But it also demands responsibili- together on Sept. 19 in Washing- High School as first in her class. to D.C. where they will meet 20 '91 15:49