Keynote speaker Pastor Carl Day spoke of how communities can work together to find lasting solutions through friendship and stand hand-in-hand with each other.
Philadelphia, PA; November 13, 2025 ... More than 300 students alongside 57 educators met at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia as part of ADL’s annual Youth Leadership Conference. The attendees came from 33 high schools across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. At a time where antisemitism has reached levels not seen in nearly 50 years and other forms of bigotry remain high, ADL is emphasizing the need for allyship and empathy in an ever-divided world.
Attendees, both in-person and hundreds more online, heard a keynote presentation from Philadelphia grassroots organizer and mentor Pastor Carl Day. Pastor Day spoke of the importance of raising one's voice against hate wherever it occurs. A dynamic speaker, he shared stories from his work with at-risk youth at Culture Changing Christians as well as the Black-Jewish Alliance he formed in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
“Allyship starts with friendship,” Pastor Day explained during his presentation. “We can’t build trust unless we put ourselves in a vulnerable position.” Referencing Proverbs, he stressed that it’s greater to have a friend nearby than a brother far away. “It’s important, young people. We dropped the ball, but you can pick it up. You’ll be a great ally when you’re really a friend; that’ll come naturally.”
Following the keynote, students split off to participate in working groups focusing on the themes of allyship. Through interactive exercises, attendees explored what they share in common and what makes them unique. They reflected on their respective schools’ climates of inclusivity and heard testimony from their peers who experienced antisemitism, homophobia, and other forms of bias and bigotry. Educators were led through similar activities before each school reconvened to discuss how to teach their community to be better allies.
“We’re so inspired by these students and teachers, and their commitment to choose understanding over hate,” says Randi Boyette, ADL Philadelphia’s Senior Associate Regional Director. “It can be scary to speak up when you see bullying or exclusion, but these students are brave. We couldn’t ask for a better partner in Pastor Carl Day, who understands using both education and empathy to change hearts and minds. That’s what he does through Culture Changing Christians and it’s what we do through No Place For Hate.”
About Pastor Carl Day
Pastor Carl Day is a passionate leader and change-maker, recognized for his impactful work in both ministry and community outreach. As the pastor of Culture Changing Christians Worship Center in Philadelphia, he focuses on merging faith with social activism, addressing critical issues like gun violence, mass incarceration, and generational poverty. Pastor Carl has made it his mission to mentor young people, particularly those from marginalized communities, encouraging them to embrace their potential and pursue paths of personal growth. His dedication to fostering dialogue and driving positive change has made him a respected voice in both the faith and social justice arenas.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism, we protect, advocate, and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate.