For more than two decades, Be’chol Lashon has been at the forefront of celebrating Jewish diversity. What began as a local San Francisco initiative has grown into a national and global force — thanks to innovation, resilience, and support from the Federation. At its heart, Be’chol Lashon lifts up the historic and contemporary racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the Jewish people, strengthening the community as a whole. The organization envisions a Jewish future where the traditions, holidays, and stories of Jews from every background are embraced as an integral part of what it means to be Jewish.
“Back then, nobody was talking about diversity in the Jewish community, so we did it ourselves,” said Executive Director Julian Voloj. “Today, there are many more organizations in this space — some that we even helped launch. So, it’s important for us to pause, reflect, and really define what makes us unique moving forward.”
Storytelling as a Bridge
One of Be’chol Lashon’s most exciting new achievements is Hyphen, a first-of-its-kind storytelling initiative. Years in the making, Hyphen is an anthology of 12 illustrated narratives, each sharing the lived experiences of Jews from diverse backgrounds — including Bukharian, Asian American, Ethiopian, and transgender voices. Published in comic book form, Hyphen is more than just art — it’s a tool for education, empathy, and bridge-building.
“Hyphen is really about trying to showcase what it means to be Jewish today, in all its diversity,” Julian explained. “It’s not just a book — it’s a bridge-building tool. In a time of polarization and misconceptions about Jewish identity, storytelling can play a very important role in healing, bringing people together, and elevating voices.”
Hyphen, which launched on October 30, 2025, is paired with curriculum resources that bring these stories into classrooms, congregations, JCCs, and even non-Jewish spaces. “The first step is having the stories,” Julian said, “but the real impact comes when we use them to spark conversations, build connections, and help communities see themselves represented.”
A Camp Like No Other
“There’s no camp like this,” Julian reflected. “It started as a small family circle in the Bay Area, and now it’s a leadership academy. What’s most amazing is that the counselors are all former campers — a new generation of leaders who are now guiding the next.”
The camp has continued to grow despite challenges. “Last year, we had a record number of campers, and this year we nearly reached the same numbers again,” Julian said. “And thanks to the Federation’s support, nobody is ever turned away because of financial reasons. Scholarships ensure that every child can take part, no matter their background.”
For Julian, the camp’s true impact goes beyond numbers. “Kids wait all year for this experience,” he shared. “It’s often the only place where they can bring their full identities and be surrounded by peers who understand them. That sense of belonging is what makes the camp so powerful and so needed.”
Looking Ahead
Be’chol Lashon’s next chapter is shaped by two priorities: sustaining Camp Be’chol Lashon as a flagship program and expanding Hyphen as a transformative storytelling platform. With growing national and international demand, even from communities abroad, the organization is poised to share the richness of Jewish diversity more widely than ever before.
“Between the camp and the impact of Hyphen, there’s so much potential,” Julian concluded. “We see Hyphen as a proof of concept — once people hold it in their hands, it can open doors for more storytelling, more bridge-building, and ultimately more belonging.”
The Federation is proud to partner with Be’chol Lashon in this work. Together, we are elevating diverse voices, nurturing future leaders, and ensuring that every Jewish person sees themselves reflected in the story of our people.
To learn more, visit globaljews.org.
