Toni Spilfogel Joins the Diller Teen Fellows Program

Congratulations to our very own Toni Spilfogel in Grade 10, who has been accepted into the Diller Teen Fellows Program, which is run by the United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto. This prestigious leadership development program is offered to Jewish teens in Grades 10 and 11 and allows each Fellow to realize their true leadership potential. Over 60 students applied, and Toni was chosen for one of just 20 spots. The program operates in 21 other communities in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and Israel. Each community cohort has a corresponding cohort in Israel, which includes an exchange program, culminating in a three-week summer summit held in Israel.

During this 15-month program, participants work on developing their leadership skills by participating in monthly workshops and retreats. Through her participation in this program, Toni would like to start her own charity work with young people. Many Holocaust survivors live in poverty within Canada as well as in Israel. Toni aims to develop better connections between these Holocaust survivors and Jewish families living in Toronto so that they can receive more community support, especially during Jewish holidays, when many Holocaust survivors find themselves to be alone. Toni also plans to include work involving education for girls.

We look forward to hearing from Toni about the success of her initiatives as she progresses in this program!