Jewish Community Unites in Times Square Amidst Trauma and Resilience

On a recent Saturday night, former Hamas hostage Segev Kalfon led thousands of Jews in reciting the Shema prayer in Times Square, New York City. Kalfon, who spent over two years in captivity, sought to assert his faith publicly after Hamas ceased its handover ceremonies. The event was part of the CTeen International Shabbaton, organized by the Chabad Hasidic movement, which brought together more than 4,500 Jewish youths from around 60 countries. This gathering highlighted the global reach of Chabad and the shared trauma experienced by Jewish communities worldwide, particularly in light of recent anti-Zionist violence.

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The event resonated deeply with attendees, especially those from Bondi Beach, Australia, where a tragic shooting at a Chabad Hanukkah event in December resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Priva Schlanger, the rabbi's daughter, emphasized that pain can serve as a catalyst for unity and resilience, stating, “Pain doesn’t paralyze us, it pushes us.” The Australian delegation, consisting of around 20 teens, expressed a sense of empowerment and connection with the broader Jewish community, reinforcing the sentiment that they are not isolated in their grief.

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Participants at the CTeen Shabbaton engaged in various activities, including meetings with New York City leaders such as City Council Speaker Julie Menin and City Comptroller Mark Levine. The event showcased a vibrant atmosphere, with attendees from 486 cities celebrating their Jewish identity through music, dance, and cultural expressions. Yehuda Nothman, a teen from Bondi Beach, remarked on the significance of the gathering, stating, “It really makes me feel like the Jewish community’s coming together as one.” The organizers highlighted that the Shabbaton serves as a platform for Jewish pride, with each participant expected to return home as an ambassador for their community.

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Despite the celebratory nature of the event, security concerns were paramount. Police and volunteer Jewish community security personnel were stationed around the perimeter, and organizers opted not to publicize the event beforehand due to safety considerations. This precaution reflects a growing trend for Jewish events in urban areas, where security threats have become a pressing concern. Former hostage Ilana Gritzewsky affirmed the community's resilience, stating, “No one is going to bring us down. Never, never.”

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• “I was dreaming of saying Shema Yisrael, on the stage, to the world,” — Segev Kalfon, Former Hostage

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• “Pain doesn’t paralyze us, it pushes us. It doesn’t erase the pain, but it gives it direction.” — Priva Schlanger, Daughter of Rabbi Eli Schlanger

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• “It’s really empowering. It really makes me feel like the Jewish community’s coming together as one,” — Yehuda Nothman, Teen from Bondi Beach

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• “No one is going to bring us down. Never, never,” — Ilana Gritzewsky, Former Hostage

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This gathering not only served as a moment of reflection and healing but also reinforced the strength and unity of the Jewish community in the face of adversity.

Times of Israel