Pesach on the Shores of Lake Balaton: Dozens of Ukrainian Families, Separated by War, Reunited Once Again
This year, FJCU Pesach Camp 5785 brought together hundreds of Ukrainian Jewish families who had been scattered across the globe due to the ongoing war • Full Story, Photos
This year, FJCU Pesach Camp 5785 brought together hundreds of Ukrainian Jewish families who had been scattered across the globe due to the ongoing war.
The long-awaited gathering took place at Machne Chabad, a camp on the shores of Lake Balaton in Hungary — a space that, in the spring of 2022, became the first safe refuge for Jewish refugees fleeing Ukraine.
Initiated by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine (FJCU) in cooperation with EMIH and with support from the Hungarian government, the first refugee camp was launched here. Since then, Machne Chabad has evolved into a full-scale support hub — hosting dozens of family, children’s, and leadership camps, educational programs, holiday celebrations, and Shabbatons that continue to provide connection, care, and community for displaced Jews from Ukraine.
This Pesach, more than 300 participants gathered once again. For many, it was a rare opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and celebrate in an atmosphere of unity, tradition, and Jewish life.
The matzah for the holiday was baked in Ukraine — at the Tifferet Matzo bakery — and specially delivered to the camp, adding a powerful sense of continuity and connection with their homeland.
“Pesach reminds us that we are one people, even when scattered across the world. When we come together, we strengthen our faith, our unity, and our resilience. No war can take away what makes us Jewish — our tradition, our values, and our responsibility to one another,” said Rabbi Mayer Stambler, Chairman of the Board of the FJCU.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our longtime photographer, Raphael Itzhak Vilensky, for his beautiful photos that so vividly capture these unforgettable moments.
8
Join ChabadInfo's News Roundup and alerts for the HOTTEST Chabad news and updates!
Related Posts:
Most Popular
New Videos
Editor's Picks
