NEW YORK, NY — Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is pleased to announce that Alexandra Bentes of Aventura, Fla., and Ella Mellman of River Forest, Ill., both 17, have received the organization’s 2025 Leaders of Tomorrow Award.
Each year, the award, a merit-based scholarship, is given to young women entering the 11th or 12th grade who have demonstrated a commitment to Israel and the Jewish people and the ability to inspire and serve as a guide and role model for others.
Each young woman will receive $1,000 towards the tuition for Gesher Israel, a summer program offered by Hadassah’s longtime partner Young Judaea, America’s oldest Zionist youth movement. Gesher participants spend three weeks in Israel honing their leadership skills and delving into the country’s culture and history while forging lifelong friendships (“gesher” is Hebrew for bridge).
“I congratulate Alexandra and Ella on being named ‘leaders of tomorrow,’” said Carol Ann Schwartz, National President, Hadassah. “It is inspiring to see young people working so hard to help their peers connect to Israel the way they themselves have.”
“Aventura and River Forest are lucky to have Alexandra and Ella in their communities,” said Elaine Silver, Hadassah National Young Judaea Chair. “They are shining examples of Hadassah’s values and we are pleased to give them the opportunity to continue developing their skills and their passion for Israel.”
MEET THE WINNERS
Alexandra Bentes, 17 – Rising senior at Don Soffer Aventura High School, Aventura, Fla.
• Passion for Israel: To raise awareness of the Hamas hostages after October 7, 2023, Alexandra organized an event that drew over 550 people. A 2024 summer trip to Israel strengthened her connection to the country by allowing her “to witness the resilience, strength and spirit of its people firsthand.”
• Talent for Leadership: Alexandra is president of her school’s CADENA Club, which trains teens to work with the international NGO, and co-president of Miami’s Ellie’s Army Club, for which she organizes large-scale fundraisers for children with life-threatening illnesses.
• Making a Difference: Alexandra assembled over 100 hygiene kits for the Miami homeless organization Hermanos de la Calle; her work with Maccabi Tzair Miami has enabled over 60 sixth-graders to deepen their Jewish identity.
• Says Alexandra: “Leadership isn’t just about titles. It’s about showing up, listening and creating space for others to grow with you.”
Ella Mellman, 17 – Rising senior at Oak Park River Forest High School, Oak Park, Ill.
• Passion for Israel: Ella has traveled to Israel and considers it part of her identity. In her work with both Young Judaea and her synagogue, she strives to interest other young people in developing their own close ties to Israel.
• Talent for Leadership: Ella is president of Young Judaea’s Midwest Region, executive planner and leader of her synagogue’s youth services (Junior Congregation) and the head of the flute section in her marching band.
• Making a Difference: Ella knows she has made a difference when she sees Young Judaea members form friendships with people they’ve never met or young people she has advised at her synagogue become interested in learning about Israel.
• Says Ella: “There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.”
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About Hadassah and Young Judaea:
Created in 2014, Hadassah’s Leaders of Tomorrow Award grew out of a decades-long partnership between Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, which has been a powerful advocate for Israel and Zionism since its founding in 1912, and Young Judaea, the oldest Zionist youth movement in the United States. By providing scholarships that make it possible for American children and young adults to participate in Young Judaea’s summer camps, Israel programs, year-round activities and volunteer experiences, Hadassah is strengthening future generations’ connection to Israel and Zionism and shaping tomorrow’s Jewish leaders.