Chabad on Campus Brings Hundreds of Students Together in Rome

The largest ever Pegisha Europe took place this past weekend, drawing over 600 participants from 75 universities hailing from 13 European countries for a transformative Shabbos experience in Rome.

Organized by Chabad on Campus International (COCI), the event brought together Jewish students from Paris to Bucharest. Along with their Shluchim and Shluchos, they enjoyed a weekend filled with incredible energy and powerful Jewish unity.

“Pegisha embodies the Rebbe’s vision to empower young Jews with Jewish pride and a deep connection to their heritage,” said Rabbi Yossy Gordon, CEO of Chabad on Campus International. “This year’s Pegisha Europe in Rome was a true testament to the strength of Jewish students and the dedication of their incredible Shluchim and Shluchos.”

Pegisha Europe officially kicked off with a spectacular musical and visual arts performance featuring renowned artist Joey Newcomb, setting the tone for an unforgettable Shabbos weekend along the theme of “It’s Geshmak to be a Yid”.

As Shabbos approached, the women gathered for candle lighting while the men explored the power and meaning of Shabbos. The evening continued with a lively Kabbalas Shabbos. Shabbos dinner featured words from Mrs. Rivkah Leah Hazan, head Shlucha of Italy, delicious Kosher Italian-style cuisine, songs, and farbrengens that lasted throughout the night.

On Shabbos morning, students had the opportunity to delve into Chassidus, beginning with an exploration of Jewish identity and Kabbalistic secrets of the soul. Before Musaf, the students heard inspiring words from Rabbi Avraham Hazan, head Shliach of Italy. Musaf was followed by a spirited Shabbos seudah, with Divrei Torah shared by Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet.

Shabbos afternoon featured a dynamic and wide-ranging program of sessions, covering topics from dating with Jewish values to identity and personal growth. A highlight of the afternoon was a fun and educational game show,.

As Shabbos drew to a close, attendees gathered for Seder Niggunim, savoring the final moments of Shabbos. Students were also inspired by “The Student Stage,” a TEDx-style session featuring students sharing personal stories, offered in both English and French. The weekend’s Mega Musical Havdalah, led by Joey Newcomb with greetings from Rabbi Avi Weinstein, COO of Chabad on Campus International, sent Shabbos out with singing and dancing.

“Our goal is to create a space where students can nurture their Jewish identity, connect with young Jews from across Europe, and take that spiritual energy back to their campuses, continuing to grow in their Judaism long after the weekend ends. The data and feedback make clear: this goal was met, and then some,” said Rabbi Avi Weinstein of COCI.

From there, participants made their way to the Pegisha Vibe: Notte d’Italia, an unforgettable evening fusing Jewish entertainment with local culture, including an Italian street theme, pizza, pasta, spritz, live music, and artisan vendors with Jewish crafts, capping off the night with an intimate kumzitz led by Joey Newcomb.

Sunday morning, students embarked on a guided tour of Rome, visiting iconic sites and historical landmarks, including the Arch of Titus, which brought out the resilience of the Jewish people. The weekend concluded with a closing program, “Geshmak to Be a Yid – Here, There, and Everywhere,” where students were sent back to their campuses energized and inspired, with presenters Mrs. Sonya Wolvovsky and Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet, and music by Tal Vaknin, urging them to carry the Pegisha spirit forward.

A highlight of the closing ceremony was freed hostage Eliya Cohen, who was held captive by Hamas for 505 days. Eliya shared his personal story and how Yiddishkiet helped carry him through those unimaginable times, inspiring the students with his courage and faith.

With Pegisha Europe 2026 setting a new record for attendance and impact, Chabad on Campus International continues to strengthen Jewish pride and connection among university students across the continent.

“Attending Pegisha Europe in Rome was a life-changing experience,” said one student. “Being surrounded by hundreds of Jewish students from across the continent, celebrating Shabbos together in such a historic and beautiful city, made me feel so connected and proud of my heritage. It’s a weekend I’ll never forget.”

L’Shanah Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim!

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