The largest ever Pegisha Europe took place this past weekend, drawing over 400 participants from 50 European schools across nine countries for a transformative Shabbos experience in the heart of Budapest. Organized by Chabad on Campus International, the event brought together Jewish university students, along with their Shluchim and Shluchos, for a weekend filled with incredible energy and powerful Jewish unity.
“Pegisha embodies the Rebbe’s vision to empower young Jews with Jewish pride and a deep connection to their heritage,” said Rabbi Yossy Gordon, CEO of Chabad on Campus International. “This year’s Pegisha Europe was a true testament to the strength of Jewish students and the dedication of their incredible Shluchim and Shluchos.”
The weekend began with check-in on Friday afternoon, where students were greeted with refreshments and Chabad on Campus swag. Pegisha Europe officially kicked off at the famed Kazinczy Synagogue, where Rabbi Avi Weinstein, COO of Chabad on Campus International, opened the weekend by welcoming the students to the historic event. He was followed by Rabbi Shlomo Köves, Chief Rabbi of the EMIH (Unified Hungarian Jewish Congregation), who warmly welcomed the crowd to Budapest. The program continued with ‘Sacred Soundtrack: A Singer’s Shabbos Story,’ featuring renowned British artist Alex Clare, who performed and shared his personal journey of faith, music, and Jewish identity. The gathering marked the largest assembly of Jews in the Kazinczy Synagogue since the Holocaust, making it a powerful and historic moment for the Jewish community of Budapest.
As Shabbos approached, attendees gathered for candle lighting and Mincha, followed by a lively Kabbalas Shabbos and dinner, where Rabbi Boruch Oberlander, Chief Chabad Rabbi of Hungary, addressed the students. After dinner, the evening continued with farbrengens, where students engaged in deep, uncensored discussions late into the night.
On Shabbos day, students had the opportunity to delve into Chassidic teachings, participate in Torah study sessions, and hear from a representative of an elite IDF unit at Shabbos lunch. A group of ten soldiers and their families, who had served in the same unit, joined as special guests for the meal along with the widow and family of their fallen commander, Amishar Ben David HY”D. One of the most moving moments of the weekend came during Shabbos Shacharis when the eldest son of the fallen commander was honored with an aliyah. As he stood at the bimah, the entire shul joined arm in arm to sing ‘Acheinu’ in his honor, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of unity and support.
Afternoon learning featured powerful topics such as “Can Pain and Joy Coexist?”, “Why Bother Being Jewish When It Makes Everyone Hate Your Guts?” and “A Jewish Voice in a Secular World, a Candid Q&A Session with Alex Clare.”
As Shabbos came to a close, the group came together for a mega musical Havdalah, featuring a special musical performance by Berel Faidin. From there, participants embarked on a stunning cruise along the Danube River, taking in the illuminated beauty of Budapest while enjoying music, food, and entertainment. Master mentalist Meni Hollender, known for his performances on Israel’s Got Talent, amazed the crowd with mind-blowing illusions, adding an unforgettable touch to the evening.
Sunday morning featured a guided tour of Budapest, where participants explored the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. Walking through the storied streets, students gained insight into the rich Jewish heritage of Budapest, from its flourishing pre-war community to its resilience in the face of tragedy.
The tour ended at the famous shoe memorial on the Danube River, where the group participated in a heartfelt tefillah led by world renowned chazan and campus Shliach Rabbi Simcha Steinberg, Shliach at Chabad at the Eindhoven University of Technology. Inspiring words were shared by Rabbi Shlomie Chein, VP of Student Engagement at Chabad on Campus International & a Shliach at Chabad at S. Cruz University. They then joined together in singing Ani Maamin.
The students then gathered for a closing session titled “Unstoppable: Deeply Jewish. Proudly Jewish.” The session, hosted by Mrs. Sarit Vogel, featured reflections from Mrs. Brocha Lent, Shlucha to the University of Nottingham, and her student Ashirah Sears. Mrs. Shlomit Ben David, the wife of a fallen IDF commander, Amishar Ben David HY”D, spoke to the students about her courageous experience and the love she received from Jews all over the world following her husband’s death. She encouraged them to take the inspiration of Pegisha Europe back to their campuses and communities. The session ended with singing and dancing, led by Alex Clare and Berel Faiden.
With Pegisha Europe 2025 setting a new record for attendance and impact, Chabad on Campus International continues to strengthen Jewish pride and connection among university students across the continent.
“Attending Pegisha Europe in Budapest was a life-changing experience,” said one student. “Being surrounded by hundreds of Jewish students from across the continent, celebrating Shabbat together, made me feel so connected and proud of my heritage. It’s a weekend I’ll never forget.”
L’Shanah Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim!
Event Production: Bentsi Sasson, GoKosher Travel
Program Production: Dovid Weinbaum
Photographer: Yossi Jerufi
Videographer: Berel Groner
