Hundreds of Jewish teens to rally in Budapest in Europe’s largest youth gathering
Budapest will host a major demonstration of Jewish pride and resilience this Friday, as more than 500 Jewish teenagers from 28 European countries gather in the Hungarian capital for a public rally at Madách Imre Square: a historic site at the edge of the former Budapest Jewish Ghetto.
The event forms part of the European Jewish Teen Congress, held from 27–30 November and organised by EMIH (the Hungarian Jewish Association) together with CTeen International, the world’s largest Jewish teen network. It marks the biggest gathering of Jewish youth in Europe, bringing together teenagers who often live as small minorities in their home countries.
A lifeline for isolated Jewish youth
For many participants, this congress offers one of the few moments each year when they can spend time with peers who share their identity, experiences, and challenges. Organisers emphasise that rising antisemitism and social isolation have made these meetings increasingly vital for young European Jews. Some attendees are the only Jewish pupils in their entire school, making the opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate as a community particularly meaningful.
Throughout the weekend, teens will attend workshops addressing the issues they face in their daily lives, explore how their heritage shapes their identities, and exchange ideas with peers from across the continent. They will also celebrate Shabbat together, forming a temporary but powerful community.
A rally at a site of profound historical weight
Friday’s rally, beginning at 11:15 AM, will take place at Madách Imre Square, a location that once stood inside the wartime Budapest Ghetto. Against the backdrop of a city marked by the memory of one of Europe’s darkest chapters, these young people will stand proudly, symbolically transforming a place of suffering into one of strength and continuity.
Israeli Ambassador Maya Kadosh, local leaders, and diplomats will join the gathering. The programme will also feature singer and IDF soldier Noam Buskila and DJ Golan.
Stories of resilience and leadership
Organisers say many of the attending teens have powerful personal stories: navigating antisemitism at school, choosing to remain visibly Jewish when it may be easier to hide, and taking on leadership roles in their communities. Over the course of the congress, teen leaders will run workshops and share their experiences, preparing to return home as confident representatives of their local Jewish communities.
The goal is for participants to leave Budapest strengthened and empowered — “proud and informed,” as organisers put it — and ready to act as ambassadors for Jewish life across Europe.
Budapest’s thriving Jewish revival
The rally also underscores the wider revival of Jewish communal life in Hungary. With an estimated 100,000 members, Hungary is home to one of Europe’s most vibrant Jewish communities. Over the past two decades, Chabad has opened ten new synagogues in Budapest and now operates 28 Shluchim, two schools, a yeshiva, and a university.
Hungary also hosts an annual international CTeen Camp, welcoming more than 300 Jewish teens from around the world. Last year, Budapest became home to the world’s first standalone CTeen ClubHouse — a permanent centre for local Jewish youth.