Herzl’s city, their future: Jewish teens renewed Zionist covenant in Budapest

Addressing the youth from the stage, Gal-Dor told them, “You are the next leaders of the Jewish people.” He added, “The Jewish people are facing upheavals and challenges, and you, the youth who came here from all corners of the world, are its new leadership. When I see the connections, the dialogue, and the faith that have grown here, I know we have a shared future and genuine hope.”

At the heart of the congress stood the World Jewish-Zionist Youth Charter, a document outlining a shared vision and core values for young Jews worldwide. Participants spent three days learning about Herzl’s life, the foundations of Zionism, and the responsibilities of Jewish leadership. Working in mixed groups, they explored themes of identity, language, community, and mutual responsibility and drafted the charter as an expression of their collective commitment.

The youth also elected the first Jewish-Zionist Youth Congress Council, which presented the charter at the closing ceremony.

The congress opened with remarks from its president, Israel Prize laureate Miriam Peretz, who conceived the initiative. Peretz, president of the Netaim Organization, called the event “a dream come true,” spoke of her sons Uriel and Eliraz, who fell in military service, and emphasized the centrality of the Hebrew language.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch addressed the opening ceremony and described the congress as “a moment of global Jewish-Zionist pride.” He said, “A young generation from Israel and Jewish communities around the world is gathering to renew the covenant between us. A covenant of identity, shared responsibility, mutual commitment and hope.”

Gur Rosenblat said the Youth and Society Administration of the Education Ministry, which develops youth leadership, was “proud to lead the first Jewish-Zionist Youth Congress.” He added that young Jews from around the world committed themselves to strengthening the connection between Jewish youth abroad and in Israel and to presenting joint initiatives next year in Jerusalem.

Participants also shared personal stories about Jewish life in their communities.

Karen, 15, from Melbourne, said anti-Israel activists had been targeting schoolchildren in Australia. “They come into schools and tell children that Israel is bad,” she said. She described a major demonstration called “The Children’s Protest,” in which young children marched “full of hate” without understanding the conflict. “Since the war ended, the protests continue,” she said. “They simply hate Israel.”

D., a 15-year-old from Casablanca, said Moroccan Jews enjoyed respect and coexistence. “The people of Morocco know how to distinguish between Jews in Morocco and what happens in Israel,” he said. “We may be a small community, but we are very united.”

Alma, from Spain, described growing fear among Spanish Jews. “Being Jewish in Spain means walking around with the feeling that everyone looks at you with suspicion or hostility,” she said. “The Congress gave me strength. I’m not facing this alone.”

Dana, from Austria, spoke about her community’s support for Israel. “We’ve been sending letters of support to the families of the hostages and to IDF soldiers,” she said. “What gives me strength is remembering how strong and proud the Jewish people are.”

Ruby Feigin, from Scotland, said she hoped her community would emerge from what she called “a dark period.” She expressed her love for Israel and ended her remarks with Anne Frank’s famous line: “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are truly good at heart.”

At the conclusion of the congress, the youth pledged to continue Herzl’s path within their own communities. The next stage of the initiative is scheduled for November 2026 in Jerusalem, where participants are expected to present the projects developed from this year’s charter and continue building a shared vision for the Jewish future.