Jewish Platform
Our engaging platform offers Jewish teenagers a space to express their feelings and experiences about antisemitism and their Jewish identity. We are a supportive community where teens can connect with peers who share similar experiences. Shalom Letters is not only educational, but also empowering. We help Jewish teens share their stories to the world.
Community Awareness Campaigns
Shalom Letters organizes community awareness campaigns to educate the public about antisemitism and promote understanding and tolerance. These campaigns include public events at participating schools, online initiatives, and collaborative projects with local organizations. By sharing the personal stories of Jewish teenagers, we aim to foster empathy and create a more inclusive society. Our campaigns are designed to reach diverse audiences, using creative and impactful messaging to highlight the importance of standing against hate. Participants in our program become active voices in the fight against antisemitism. Through our efforts, we strive to build bridges and strengthen community bonds.
Publication of Teenage Authors
We publish collections of letters, essays, poems and more that are written by Jewish teens. Writing is a powerful glimpse into their experiences and perspectives on antisemitism and Jewish pride through social media. These publications serve as a testament to the resilience and creativity of young Jewish voices. Available in digital formats (though soon print, stay tuned), they reach a wide audience, by raising awareness and sparking important conversations. By showcasing these letters, we celebrate the diversity and strength of the Jewish community. Each publication is a collaborative effort, with teens involved in the entire process from writing to editing. This initiative not only amplifies their voices but also enriches the broader cultural dialogue.
Abigail "Abi" Streger
Founder: After witnessing the isolating impact that the brutal murder of 6 Israeli hostages (ZL) in September 2024 had on Jewish teens, Abigail lead the creation of Shalom Letters. A proud student raised in Atlanta, she is a Kenneth Leventhal High School Intern, American Jewish Committee (AJC) Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) alumni, AJC Black Jewish Teen Initiative Alumni, and a member of the AJC LFT Alumni Leadership board and active on her synagogues Board of Trustees. She has appeared on several podcasts, including AJC's 'People of the Pod;' and Temple Sinai's 'Seeking Sinai.' Abigail is dedicated to fostering understanding and advocating for the Jewish community and looks forward to exciting opportunities ahead.
For inquiries, please write to Abi.streger@icloud.com
Benjamin "Ben" Auslander
Chief of Operations: Ben helps with the "Organization" side of the movement. He helps to create constitutions, application forms, website development, marketing plans, and so much more. A long-time Hoosier native, you'll always find Ben watching football highlights, cooking gumbo, or researching state government policy. Ben will likely attend Indiana University's Kelley School of Business in the fall, majoring in Economic Consulting and Public Policy.
For inquiries, please write to bauslander8@outlook.com
Rachel Yahalom
Chief of Editorial: Rachel helps lead a team that edits and proofreads all materials posted by Shalom Letters - submissions, posts, stories, etc. Rachel is a high school senior in Dallas, Texas who loves filmmaking, cooking, reading, and politics. Rachel plans to go to Mechina and then college where she hopes to study Business.
Gabriella Kaplan
Chief of Social Media: Gabriella helps to coordinate all of the social media aspects of Shalom Letters (reels, stories, posts, and collaborations). Originally from Boston, MA, Gabriella now lives in Austin, Texas where she is a senior in high school. Gabriella loves to cook, sing, play piano and guitar, and learn languages. Gabriella hopes to attend university in the fall majoring in Archaeology and International Relations.
For Inquiries, please write to: gabikaplan66@gmail.com
Brody Jake Friedeberg
Chief of Research and Content: Brody Jake Friedeberg is a Kenneth Leventhal High School Intern and 11th grade student from San Mateo, California, who helps with the information side of Shalom Letters. He is passionate about politics, culture, and advocacy through community organizing. His hobbies include baking and hiking. He also enjoys his jobs as a social science research assistant and a granola sales clerk, and his positions working with a local yiddish culture nonprofit and a municipal youth commission.
For inquiries, please write to: brodyfriedeberg@gmail.com