A Weekend in Hamburg: Jewish Voices, Israel Debates – and a War That Began on Shabbat

Jugendkongress 2026

The JuKo 2026, the yearly Jewish Youth Conference of the ZWST, opened in Hamburg with thoughtful remarks by Dr.Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, and the Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor.

Both spoke about the moment we are living in: a time of uncertainty for Jewish communities, but also one that requires confidence, dialogue, and engagement from the younger generation.

Looking into the audience of around 400 young Jewish professionals from across Germany, it was clear that this conference has become one of the most important meeting points for Jewish life in the country. For many participants between 18 and 35, the JuKo is more than a conference. It is a place to reconnect with friends from different communities, exchange ideas, debate politics and identity, and reflect on what Jewish life in Germany means today.

For me personally, it was also an opportunity to contribute to the conversation by moderating two workshops:

The first one carried the title “More than Soccer – The Fans of Werder Bremen and the Support of Hersh Goldberg-Polin z'l ” It explored the remarkable story of how football fans in Bremen organized public support for Hersh Goldberg-Polin after the Hamas attacks of October 7. What began as a discussion about sports quickly turned into a broader conversation about solidarity, civil society, and the unexpected places where empathy can emerge.

The second workshop addressed Israeli politics more directly:“Power, Survival and Legacy – Understanding Benjamin Netanyahu.”

Together with the Israeli journalist Mazal Mualem, we discussed the long political career of Benjamin Netanyahu. The conversation touched on questions of leadership, strategy, political survival, and the deep divisions within Israeli society. The questions from the audience were thoughtful, direct, and sometimes challenging – exactly what such a conversation should be.

Throughout the weekend, the JuKo once again showed its unique role: bringing together a new generation of Jewish voices in Germany who are willing to debate openly, ask difficult questions, and stay connected to both Germany and Israel.

On Shabbat morning, the news began to spread quietly through the conference:The war with Iran had begun.Messages circulated, people began checking news updates. Many participants had friends or family in Israel. The discussions that had filled the rooms the day before suddenly felt more immediate. It was a moment that reminded everyone how closely connected Jewish life in Germany remains to events in Israel.Even far away from the Middle East, the feeling in the room changed. Conversations became quieter, more reflective.

Yet the conference continued — perhaps with an even stronger sense of purpose.

Closing Reflection

Looking around the hall that weekend, one could see something that statistics or headlines rarely capture: a generation of young Jews in Germany that is thoughtful, engaged, and willing to ask difficult questions about identity, responsibility, and the relationship between Germany, Jewish life, and Israel.

At the same time, the events of Shabbat morning were a reminder that these conversations never take place in isolation. Jewish life in Europe today is deeply connected to developments in Israel — politically, emotionally, and personally.

But what does that connection mean for the future? How openly can difficult debates about Israeli politics be conducted within Jewish communities in Europe? And how will this younger generation define its relationship with Israel in the years ahead?

The JuKo once again created a space where these questions could be asked.The answers, however, are still very much unfolding. #zwst #zentralratderjuden #momentfromisrael #workshops

Bildquelle: Gregor Zielke/ZWST