Meet the JCC Staff

What does it mean to be Jewish in the 21st century? At JCC Budapest, this question guides how we think and what we do. JCC Budapest is a vibrant community whose aim is to strengthen Jewish identity, help people find their roots, and celebrate the diversity of Jewish life. 

This work is personal. I grew up in 1980s Hungary and never had the chance to explore my Judaism. Forgetting Judaism was how my family survived Communist rule  — and we almost lost track of our roots. Almost. 

Thanks to JDC and American philanthropists, my generation revived Hungarian Jewry before it was lost to history. In Jewish schools, summer camps, youth movements, and institutions, such as JCC Budapest, we rediscovered Judaism, making it our mission to ensure that Hungary has a lively, resilient Jewish future.

But JCC Budapest is more than just a place; it’s a passionate team of Jewish leaders who create community and bring programs to life. As JCC Director, I am so proud to lead this team of talented individuals, and introduce them to you here. 

We invite you to be a part of our story. Together, we can write the next chapters of Hungarian Jewish history! 

— Marcell Kenesei, JCC Director