Yoni Hammerman, WJC Director of U.S. Advocacy & Future Leadership Development, welcomed the Lauder Fellows in Budapest to start the Opening Seminar with a comprehensive introduction to the WJC's structure and functions, as well as its main priorities.

Maya Cimeša Samokovlija, WJC Executive Director of Community Relations, led a roundtable discussion on what it means to represent over 100 Jewish communities worldwide, exploring the similarities between them and what their unique qualities are.

In a team-building exercise led by Maya Cimeša Samokovlija, WJC Executive Director of Community Relations and András Ligeti, WJC Director of Community Relations, the Fellows applied the previous day's discussion to brainstorm how to build a strong, successful Jewish community amidst unexpected challenges. 

Máté Holler, WJC External Relations Manager of the Technology and Human Rights Institute (TecHRI) and WJC Elevate Coordinator, highlighted WJC's work with tech platforms to identify and combat threats of online hate posed by artificial intelligence and social media.

The WJC hosted the Embassy of Israel in Hungary's Moran Birman, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the State of Israel, gave an overview on Israel’s diplomatic, legal, and public diplomacy efforts with Hungary and the European Union, with particular attention to Hungary's unique position in the international legal landscape.

Viktor Eichner, WJC Representative to the Holy See & Italy, spoke about the status of interfaith relations today, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive relations based on mutual respect and dialogue.

In collaborative breakout groups, the Fellows shared their individual workplans for the year and how they envision contributing to their respective Jewish communities.

Through a guided walking tour of Budapest's Jewish District, the cohort explored the rich and complex history of Hungary's Jewish community, visiting notable sites such as the Dohány Street Synagogue and the Carl Lutz Memorial.

The day concluded with a scenic cruise down the Danube River, seeing the beautiful sites of Budapest and creating meaningful friendships.

József Potor, Deputy State Secretary for Relationship with Civil Society, Ministry of Social Relations and Culture of Hungary and Zsófia Barta, Head of Department, Prime Minister’s Office, spoke about the new Hungarian government's engagement with the Jewish community, sharing insight into how the Fellows should approach government relations as future leaders.

Bulcsu Hajdu, Political Capital, provided an overview of how far-right and Islamist extremism poses a threat to democracy both in Hungary and throughout the European Union, sharing emerging trends to be aware of and the efforts being made by governments to address extremism and safeguard democratic values.

Members of the Hungarian Union of Jewish Students spoke about contemporary Jewish life, with President Amir Kadar raising awareness on the challenges facing young Jewish professionals and how Jews have continued to thrive in the region.

The Fellows continued to work through their operative workplans, guiding each other with constructive criticism and brainstorming ideas on how to make their Jewish spaces a better place.

Yoni Hammerman concluded the Opening Seminar with a discussion on key takeaways from the week, giving the Fellows key advice on what it truly means to be a community leader, and the importance of being present in conversations regarding the future of Jewish life. 

Before their departures, the cohort visited the Shoes on the Danube Holocaust memorial site constructed in honor of the Jewish citizens that lost their lives during the Holocaust.