The JuJuBa youth centre of the Baden regional association has won Jewrovision 2026, Europe’s largest Jewish youth music and dance competition. In a thrilling final held at Messe Stuttgart, the group outperformed twelve other Jewish youth centres from across Germany.
With their energetic performance of We Ride On, JuJuBa presented a powerful interpretation of a shared journey towards light and the enduring strength of Jewish unity. Their performance captivated an audience of around 2,700 spectators, earning them the coveted trophy and bringing the title back to their home city.
The youth centres Olam Berlin and We.Zair Westfalia (Westphalia-Lippe regional association) came second and third respectively. The award for best video went to the youth centre Neshama Munich, while the prize for best lyrics was shared between Jachad Cologne & Kavanah Aachen and Emet Nuremberg feat. Am Echad Bavaria. The award for best singing also went to JuJuBa, underlining their strong overall performance. The prize for best performance was awarded to We.Zair Westfalia, while Amichai Frankfurt received recognition for best stage design.
Under this year’s motto “Voices of Hope”, participants celebrated the largest Jewrovision in the event’s history. At a time when Jewish life is increasingly being pushed out of the public sphere, the young performers sent a clear and unmistakable message: loud, colourful and proudly visible. The stage became a space where the energy and dynamism of Jewish youth was fully on display.
“The social headwinds are blowing ever more strongly in our faces,” said Dr Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. “In such moments, the temptation to withdraw and become invisible is strong. That is precisely why what we are experiencing together this weekend is so invaluable. We do not hide. On the contrary: tonight you are taking the microphone to loudly claim your rightful place at the centre of society.”
The jury, which included singer and actress Lina Larissa Strahl, comedian Maria Clara Groppler, reality TV personality Rafi Rachek, content creator Aaron Morali, actor Constantin von Jascheroff, and music producer Joe Chialo, expressed deep admiration for the quality and creativity of the performances.
Behind the impressive shows lies months of hard work. The young participants wrote their own songs and rehearsed complex choreographies. What emerged were not only stage-ready performances, but also friendships and a sense of solidarity that strengthens Jewish communities across Germany.
Special guest and Israeli superstar Noa Kirel brought the arena to further excitement, delivering a high-energy performance that contributed to a euphoric finale. The weekend was described as a celebration of Jewish community, mutual support, and joy of life.
Jewrovision 2026 was held under the patronage of Federal Education Minister Karin Prien, former Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg Winfried Kretschmann, and Stuttgart Mayor Dr Frank Nopper, who delivered a welcome address in person.
Jewrovision is Europe’s largest Jewish song and dance competition. Inspired by the Eurovision Song Contest, it is embedded within “Mini-Machane”, a multi-day Jewish youth camp. Founded in 2002, the event has been organised by the Central Council of Jews in Germany since 2013 and is hosted annually in different cities. The next Jewrovision will take place in Nuremberg in 2027.
