Jewish Teens Proclaim Shema at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

500 Jewish teens from 25 countries across Europe, who are attending the CTeen European Jewish Youth Summit in Berlin, gathered at the Brandenburg Gate, once a Nazi symbol, to declare Shema Yisroel and celebrate the triumph of Yiddishkeit today.

Berlin, Germany – In a historic gathering, the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol once known for its association with the Nazis, served as the backdrop for a remarkable demonstration of Jewish pride and resilience. Organized by the Chabad Jewish Community of Berlin and CTeen, the European Jewish Youth Congress, Europe’s only Jewish teen summit brought together 500 Jewish teens from 25 countries across Europe.

“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. “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 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, highlighting the shared connection of the global Jewish community. Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, Rabbi of the Jewish Community and Chairman of the Jewish Education Center in Berlin, provided words of inspiration, stressing the importance of hope, faith and positivity. In addition, Ambassador Ron Prosor, the Israeli Ambassador to Germany, shared words of inspiration to the gathered 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 and leadership training and community service.