From Budapest to San Diego: A Global Jewish Friendship Comes Full Circle

This past week, Jewish Federation of San Diego welcomed a milestone moment in our Global Ambassador Program (GAP) as we hosted our first-ever reverse delegation, bringing teens from Budapest to San Diego for a week filled with discovery, community, and connection. This visit was not only a continuation of the relationships sparked during our San Diego GAP cohort’s visit to Budapest last year, but also a celebration of the connections and shared experiences that have continued to strengthen the bond between our communities ever since.  

Over the past year, many of our teens stayed in close contact with their Hungarian peers and together, they worked hard to help bring this San Diego visit to life, building on the friendships formed during last year’s GAP experience. 

Hungarian teens were warmly welcomed into the homes of San Diego GAP families, where they experienced local life firsthand and continued to build authentic connections. The week’s thoughtfully curated activities offered a meaningful blend of fun, service, and cultural immersion. Highlights included kayaking along the La Jolla coast, celebrating Shabbat together, engaging in a hands-on educational experience at Costal Roots Farm, and exploring San Diego’s most iconic landmarks—from Petco Park and Balboa Park to the USS Midway and Old Town. These shared moments, both big and small, created space for laughter, reflection, and lasting memories. 

“This week was truly a wonderful experience for our whole family,” said one GAP parent. “We will miss the Hungarian teens; they are such an incredible group of kids. Thank you all for helping us make lasting memories!” 

This inaugural reverse GAP delegation reflects the growing relationship we are building with the Jewish community in Budapest and affirms our shared belief that the Jewish experience is enriched through cross-cultural friendship and partnership. The week served as a powerful reminder that no matter where in the world our teens come from, they share a common sense of identity, heritage, and purpose. 

As we look ahead, we are inspired by the continued evolution of this partnership and the enduring friendships it fosters. Through GAP, our teens are not only exploring the world—they are learning about themselves, their peers, and what it means to be part of a global Jewish community.