The European Jewish Youth Congress, organized by the Chabad Jewish Community of Berlin and CTeen, brought together 500 Jewish teens from 25 countries across Europe to demonstrate Jewish pride and resilience. A group photo at the Brandenburg Gate—a symbol once known for its association with the Nazis—served as the backdrop for the gathering of so many young people.
“Today, we see a powerful testament to Jewish strength and resilience at a place that once embodied tremendous hate,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Chabad World Headquarters in Brooklyn, N.Y. “Witnessing these young individuals proudly embracing their Jewish identity gives us immense hope and confidence in a bright future. This is a true embodiment of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s message—that in the face of adversity, our response is to strengthen our commitment to our heritage and values.”
A solemn moment was dedicated to prayer for the hostages who have been held captive for 14 months in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the shared connection of the global Jewish community. Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, chairman of the Jewish Education Center in Berlin and rabbi of the Berlin Jewish Community, provided words of inspiration, stressing the importance of hope, faith and positivity. Ron Prosor, the Israeli ambassador to Germany, shared words of inspiration with the crowd.
Dr. Felix Klein, the federal government commissioner for Jewish life in Germany and the fight against antisemitism, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in promoting tolerance and understanding across cultures and religions.
The event was part of the larger European Jewish Youth Congress this weekend, which included workshops aimed at addressing current challenges faced by Jewish communities in Europe, such as antisemitism and identity struggles.
With 821 chapters in 64 countries globally, CTeen empowers teens to tackle modern challenges through Jewish educational workshops, leadership training and community service.
