History to Memory: A March Break Experience for Grade 12 Students

Join us in 2026 for History to Memory, a new March Break experience for Jewish students in Grade 11 and 12.

 

Bear witness to the stories of our people—then and now. Walk the streets where thriving Jewish life existed in pre-war Poland. Visit sites of destruction, but also resistance. Follow the stories of survivors, in the very places they speak of. Visit ancient Jewish sites in Israel. Explore the diversity of Israel’s society. Return home with the courage to share it all.

 

This program is for students in Grade 11 and 12 who are interested in exploring their Jewish identity, learning about the Holocaust, and establishing a lasting connection to Israel.

 

Participants are eligible to earn a High School U credit for their participation in History to Memory. Visit torahhigh.org to learn more.

 

Stay tuned for more details, including registration dates, the 2026 trip itinerary, and more! Follow @historytomemory on Instagram to get the latest updates.

 

What’s in the works:

  • Visiting the Old Jewish Quarter of Krakow
  • A walking tour of the Warsaw Ghetto
  • Visiting Auschwitz Museum, Birkenau, and Majdanek
  • Climbing Masada and floating in the Dead Sea
  • Bearing witness to October 7th
  • Celebrating Shabbat in Jerusalem
  • Visiting the Kotel and exploring Tel Aviv

 

Have questions or want to learn more? Check out the FAQ section below, or email historytomemory@ujafed.org.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell me more about safety and security on the trip?

The safety and security of participants is always our top priority. All travel decisions made by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto are made in co-operation with Jewish Federations of North America, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Hayesod, and partners on the ground in Israel, as well as the government of Poland.

Will you be travelling with Holocaust survivors?

Our hope is that participants will hear from and get to know our Toronto-based Holocaust survivors at our pre- and post-trip sessions. However, due to the fast-paced nature of this trip, we will not be travelling with Holocaust survivors throughout Poland and Israel. That being said, survivor testimony will always be at the forefront of the educational experience and the group will hopefully meet with Holocaust survivors living locally in Krakow.

What does the cost include?

The cost of this program includes all flights, food, accommodation, buses, entrance fees, an English-speaking tour guide, and gratuities. The only additional costs for History to Memory are out-of-country medical insurance and any spending money for shopping.

Is there financial assistance?

Limited financial assistance is available. We will share more details when registration opens in 2025—check back here!

Are flight extensions possible?

Extensions are possible but need to be arranged ahead of time. The price of the extension is subject to availability. If you are interested in extending your ticket, please email Witnee at wkarp@ujafed.org for more information.

What happens if we can’t go to Israel?

In the event we cannot travel to Israel, we will proceed with a week-long program in Poland. The itinerary will be carefully designed to celebrate Jewish life then and now, and will end on a positive note. The decision to not travel to Israel will be made in the weeks leading up to departure.