IDF Hero’s Family Honored at Europe’s Largest Shabbat Gathering in Budapest

Budapest, Hungary – This past week, 400 Jewish students from across nine European countries, united together for Pegisha Europe 2025, the continent’s largest Pegisha Shabbat gathering organized by Chabad on Campus International in Budapest. With antisemitism rising on campuses across Europe, this gathering in Hungary, Europe’s most friendly country for Jews and Israel’s closest European ally, was a strong expression and a supportive space for a generation embracing their Jewish identity with pride.

As the university students arrived in Budapest, they were greeted and warmly welcomed by Rabbi Shlomo Köves, Chief Rabbi of the EMIH (Unified Hungarian Jewish Congregation).

At the heart of this transformative weekend was a moving tribute to Maj. Amishar Ben David, HY”D, a fallen commander of the IDF’s elite Commando “Oz” Brigade, who was killed in battle in Gaza. Ten of his fellow Israeli soldiers, along with their families, attended as special guests, standing in solidarity with Ben David’s widow and children.

Instead of a celebrity, donor, or influencer taking center stage, Chabad on Campus International chose to honor the family of an IDF hero, a man who gave his life for the Jewish people, as its guests of honor. This decision underscored a message of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of Jewish identity.

The emotional peak of the weekend came during Shabbat Shacharit. As Ben David’s eldest son ascended the bimah for an aliyah in the Torah, 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, HY”D, 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.

At the Seudas Shabbos, Rabbi Boruch Oberlander, Chief Chabad Rabbi of Hungary, addressed the crowd and led the students with joyous singing of Zemiros Shabbos.

Pegisha Europe 2025 provided an opportunity for Jewish students to embrace their heritage with pride, even in the face of rising antisemitism across European campuses. Rabbi Simcha Steinberg, a renowned chazan from Chabad at Eindhoven University, led a stirring tefillah at the “Shoes on the Danube” memorial, while British musician Alex Clare shared his journey as an observant Jew in the entertainment industry. Lively discussions tackled pressing topics such as “Why Stay Jewish in a Hostile World?”

Rabbi Avi Weinstein, COO of Chabad on Campus International, said:

“Every Jewish student deserves a dedicated space to explore and embrace their identity, regardless of external pressures or distractions.”

For many, Pegisha was a defining moment. Dean, a Jewish student from Madrid, described it as a personal turning point.

“I spent years hiding my Judaism. Here in Budapest, 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.”

As the students departed Budapest, they carried more than just memories—they left emboldened with a renewed sense of purpose. In a city steeped in Jewish history, Pegisha Europe 2025 shone as a beacon of hope, proving that even in challenging times, Jewish identity remains unshaken, unbroken, and unbowed.

Rabbi Yossy Gordon, CEO of Chabad on Campus, said:

“Pegisha embodies the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s vision to empower young Jews with Jewish pride and a deep connection to their heritage. This years Pegisha Europe was a true testament to the strength of Jewish students and the dedication of their incredible Shluchim (Rabbi’s) and Shluchos (Rebbetzins).”

About Chabad on Campus International

Chabad on Campus International is a global network dedicated to supporting Jewish students at universities and colleges worldwide. With hundreds of campus centers worldwide, Chabad on Campus provides a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where students can explore and celebrate their Jewish identity.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Chabad on Campus International