CTeen Shabbaton Extended as 1,500 Stranded in New York

Teens from 60 countries remain in NYC due to winter storm cancellations.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Hours after 8,000 Jewish teenagers from 60 countries filled the Nassau Coliseum for the largest gathering of Jewish teens in the world, nearly 1,500 of them are now stranded in New York as the winter storm has cancelled flights across the East Coast. With rescheduled flights not expected until later this week, CTeen is extending the experience with workshops, activities, and programming, giving teens who rarely have access to a large Jewish peer group more quality time together.

Why it matters

For many of the teens, this weekend marked a rare experience of being surrounded by Jewish peers, as back home, many are the only Jewish students in their school. The extended stay allows them to further connect with their global community.

The details

The CTeen team worked around the clock with the CTeen Shluchim and Crown Heights vendors and generous community members to create the extended program, with fun activities, powerful workshops, meals, and lodging for the stranded teens. Some groups, like the 50 teens from Skokie, Illinois, ended up on unexpected overnight road trips back home.

  • The closing ceremony was meant to take place on February 23, 2026.
  • Flights for the teens are not expected to resume until later this week.

The players

Kira Rothchild

A teen who traveled with the Sydney, Australia delegation.

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky

Chairman of CTeen International.

Nava Emanuel

A teen from CTeen Skokie who ended up on an overnight road trip back to the Midwest with 50 other teens.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, I have to miss some important schoolwork, but I get to enjoy this experience with everyone and embrace the New York spirit. It's just so amazing to be part of.”

— Kira Rothchild (anash.org)

“The Rebbe taught us that one is never stuck. We don't control the situations we find ourselves in, but how we respond, we do. Instead of seeing this as a setback, the teens are seizing the opportunity to grow and connect with their peers in an uplifting environment.”

— Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Chairman of CTeen International (anash.org)

“We were all really worried about spending so long cooped up on a bus with 50 people. But it actually ended up kind of fun. Some of us got to study Torah with the rabbi, we all said Shema together, and we got to spend more time with each other and meet teens from other chapters.”

— Nava Emanuel, Teen from CTeen Skokie (anash.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.