Freed Hostage to Share Story At CYP Encounter in Crown Heights
Over one thousand young Jewish professionals will hear an incredible message of strength and emunah from freed hostage Eliya Cohen, who was held captive by Hamas in Gaza for 505 days.
The incredible story of a hostage who was freed from Hamas captivity after 505 days and how he grew in his emunah during those dark times will take center stage at the upcoming CYP Encounter.
In just under two months, more than one thousand young Jewish professionals will converge on Crown Heights for the annual CYP Encounter Shabbaton.
Participants will be arriving from across the United States, as well as from Australia, South America, Europe, and Israel, to spend a weekend immersed in the vibrant spirit and energy of Crown Heights. Three days of learning, connection, and authentic Jewish experience will give them a boost of pride and inspiration that will carry far beyond the Shabbaton itself.
“The past two years have been heavy for many young Jews; antisemitism, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “We hope hearing directly from a peer who endured the very worst and emerged with even greater strength will empower them to be proud, resilient Jews back home.”
Over the weekend, participants will join workshops and classes, daven at the Rebbe’s Ohel and in 770, tour core elements of Jewish life such as a sofer at work, a mikvah, and a kosher grocery – many for the very first time, and experience an authentic Crown Heights Shabbos.
“This year’s Encounter Shabbaton will be our largest ever, with more than 1,000 young men and women expected to attend,” says Rabbi Nissi Lepkivker, director of CYP Encounters at Merkos 302. “Just imagine the impact of 1,000 young Jews returning to their communities recharged and inspired. It has the potential to reshape Jewish life for generations to come.
One of the major highlights of this year’s program will be a keynote appearance by former hostage Eliya Cohen, who will spend Shabbos with the group along with his fiancé Ziv Abud, and share his story throughout the weekend.
Eliya, who was held hostage by Hamas in Gaza for 505 days, has an extraordinary journey of emunah and resilient Jewish identity. He was kidnapped from a bomb shelter on October 7th after hiding beneath the bodies of his friends. During captivity, he rediscovered and deepened his connection with Hashem in the darkest and most unimaginable conditions.
He will speak about the power of emunah, the beauty of Shabbos, and the resilience of Jewish pride, messages sure to leave a profound impact on every young professional in attendance.
“We encourage every shliach and shlucha to bring their young professionals, even if it’s just one,” says Rabbi Beryl Frankel, Director of CYP International at Merkos 302. “Especially in cities where there aren’t many Jews, this kind of experience is so important. It reminds them they’re part of something much bigger.”
The CYP Encounter: Crown Heights Shabbaton will take place MLK Weekend: Jan 16-18, 2026 | 27–29 Teves 5786.
Register at CYPSHABBAT.NYC
To organize a group from your community or for more information, email encounter@chabadyoung.com
If you would like to take part in this meaningful weekend by hosting a group of young professionals in your home, please reach out to us at encounter@chabadyoung.com
