Some 400 Jewish students from across Europe united for Pegisha Europe 2025, the continent's largest Shabbat gathering organized by Chabad on Campus International in Budapest, Hungary.
A moving tribute to Maj. Amishar Ben David who was killed in battle in Gaza was an emotional peak for the event.
We had to jump onto this trend 😊#PegishaEurope pic.twitter.com/qD3I9c3suK
— Chabad on Campus International (@ChabadOnCampus) March 31, 2025
According to organizers, the emotional peak of the weekend came during Shabbat Shacharit. As Ben David's eldest son ascended the bimah for an aliyah, a silence swept the room. Then, the entire congregation linked arms and erupted into a powerful rendition of "Acheinu," filling the synagogue with unparalleled support and unity.
"It was electric," said a student from Amsterdam. "Singing together, holding each other, it felt like we were carrying his memory forward as one family."
Shlomit Ben David, the widow of Maj. Amishar Ben David, shared a story about him in Gaza. When supply trucks arrived for the IDF, soldiers would carry heavy bags one by one. Amishar would check the weight of each bag and deliberately choose the heaviest ones to help lighten the load for his fellow troops. Shlomit highlighted that the most heroic acts are often small daily kindnesses, not just grand gestures, whether in battle or everyday life.
Shavuah Tov from Hungary! Reporting LIVE!
We just wrapped an unbelievable Shabbat with 300+ #LoudAndProud Jewish students at #PegishaEurope! We are ready to carry the energy and unity from Shabbat into the new week ✨. pic.twitter.com/wefg8GB7fa
— Chabad on Campus International (@ChabadOnCampus) March 22, 2025
The event featured Rabbi Simcha Steinberg, chazan from Chabad at Eindhoven University, who led prayers at Budapest's "Shoes on the Danube" memorial, commemorating Jews killed during the Holocaust.
British musician Alex Clare addressed attendees, sharing personal experiences navigating the entertainment industry as an observant Jew. Participants engaged in discussions on maintaining Jewish identity in challenging environments, with sessions including the timely topic "Why stay Jewish in a hostile world?"
"Every Jewish student deserves a dedicated space to explore and embrace their identity, regardless of external pressures or distractions," said Rabbi Avi Weinstein, COO of Chabad on Campus International, underscoring the event's purpose.
"I spent years hiding my Judaism," Dean, a student from Madrid, said. "Here, I realized I don't have to. We're stronger together. This wasn't just a Shabbat. It was a family I didn't know I had."
