Blizzard Strands 4,500 Jewish Teens at CTeen Shabbaton in Brooklyn

A blizzard that struck New York City over the weekend forced 4,500 Jewish teenagers from around the world to extend their stay in Brooklyn during the 18th annual CTeen Shabbaton. The event, organized by the Chabad movement, was initially scheduled to conclude on Sunday but was disrupted by heavy snowfall that paralyzed the city, leading to airport shutdowns and a ban on cars. The storm resulted in approximately two feet of snow, prompting local residents to open their homes to the stranded teens and organize additional meals at Beth Rivkah, a local girls' school.

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Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, chairman of CTeen International, noted that the unexpected extension of the event has incurred an additional $500,000 in expenses, raising the total budget for the Shabbaton to $4 million. The event, which began with just 18 participants in a living room, has grown significantly, culminating in a gathering at Nassau Coliseum that attracted 8,000 attendees. Kotlarsky expressed his commitment to covering the unplanned costs by reaching out to donors for support.

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Among the attendees was Jaxson Ignelzi, a 15-year-old from Port St. Lucie, Florida, who shared his experiences of feeling isolated as one of only four Jewish students in his large public high school. He recounted instances of antisemitism, including derogatory remarks from parade participants. Similarly, Deena Cohen, 15, from Sydney, Australia, reflected on the impact of a recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives. Both teens emphasized the importance of the Shabbaton in fostering a sense of community and resilience against hate.

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During the event, CTeen highlighted the achievements of participants who have faced significant challenges while maintaining their Jewish identity. Avi Winner, a spokesperson for CTeen, noted the importance of recognizing these individuals, particularly in light of the antisemitism experienced by Jewish youth in various parts of the world.

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Rabbi Kotlarsky remarked on the transformation of the Shabbaton into a "full-on retreat experience" due to the blizzard, emphasizing the community's support for the stranded teens. He stated, “I opened my prayerbook and am calling our donors,” indicating the proactive steps being taken to manage the financial implications of the extended event.

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“Coming on the CTeen Shabbaton, I realize there are so many of us. They’ve taught me such strength and how to deal with this hate,” — Deena Cohen, 15, Sydney, Australia

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“I felt hurt.” — Jaxson Ignelzi, 15, Port St. Lucie, Florida

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As the blizzard subsides, the Chabad movement is expected to continue its outreach efforts to support the teens and manage the financial fallout from the extended event. The community's response to the challenges faced by Jewish youth will likely remain a focal point in discussions surrounding antisemitism and community resilience.

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