Hundreds of young Jews from 20 countries worldwide spent the countdown weekend to 2012 in Athens, Greece, only days after the celebration of Hanukah, the Jewish holiday commemorating the ancient story of the small band of Maccabees defeating the mighty Greeks.
The "Just One Shabbat" event, which took place December 30th 2011 - January 2nd 2012, was organized by the European Center for Jewish Students (ECJS) in partnership with the European Jewish Union (EJU).
"The lesson we take from Hanukah of perseverance in the face of adversity is exactly the message we are trying to teach the young Jews who attend our events," says ECJS Director Zevi Ives.
He believes that through his organization’s partnership with EJU "we can make a greater impact on the next generation of Jewish activists."
"Bringing together Jewish students and young professionals from across Europe for meaningful encounters is a priority for EJU," stresses EJU CEO Tomer Orni.
"Through experiences like these we help bridge the gap of physical distance by creating emotional closeness."
Participants stayed in a five-star hotel in the heart of Athens where they had the opportunity to discover the ancient city as well as visit modern and trendy hot spots.
From the Acropolis to the Plaka to Philapopis Hill there was never a dull moment throughout the weekend.
Shabbat was ushered in with songs and prayers and concluded with an inspiring havdalah.
The countdown to New Year on Saturday night was quite memorable as participants enjoyed the live music from the Or L’Israel band.
Monday was dedicated to visiting the Jewish sites in Athens. Participants were given an exclusive Jewish Heritage tour that included the Beth Shalom Synagogue, the Etz Haim Synagogue, the Holocaust Memorial and the Jewish Museum.
A local rabbi explained the history of the Jews in Athens, the Jewish community and the good relationship between Israel and Greece.
According to ECJS, participants keep on coming back to such events not only for the great trips and exciting locations but more importantly for the warm, welcoming atmosphere and life-long friendships that are made every time.
"ECJS is one of the few ways to meet a large number of other young Jews from all around Europe in a fun, social and informal environment, whilst getting the chance to travel to new and exciting destinations," explains Adrian Conway who just completed his 20th ECJS event.
"I have made many great friends through the ECJS events over the years and feel that I am part of a really special family. ECJS is a truly wonderful organization that brings young Jews together."
Based in Brussels, ECJS works to bring Jewish students and young professionals, aged 18 to 35, together in order to preserve and unify the Jewish European society.
A sister organization, JEP (for Jewish European Professionals) was recently launched to cater specifically for single Jewish young professionals aged 27-38.
For more information, visit www.jep.eu.
A non-profit NGO, EJU is a uniting structure for all Jewish communities and organizations throughout Western, Eastern and Central Europe. It is actively working on strengthening Jewish life in Europe through emphasis on education, social programs, and cultural/social activities.