Adults

“I have learned firsthand that without history there is no memory, and without memory there is no future. This is why we need the March of the Living, to continue to educate and teach all future generations”

- Max Eisen,
Survivor

“Participating in the March of the Living was a life altering experience for me. The raw emotions evoked by walking the camps and visualizing the atrocities committed in those spots is beyond description. We were lucky to have incredible survivors with us to share their stories and provide insight and life lessons. This journey to bear witness has inspired me to do more to make sure others learn about the Holocaust. This trip is beneficial to everyone on so many levels.”

- Audrey Newman,
2019 March of the Living participant

Trip Details

Join thousands of people from all over the world to experience March of the Living. Walk the three kilometres from Auschwitz to Birkenau on Yom HaShoah in honour of those who survived and in memory of those who perished. Mourn with Israel on Yom HaZikaron and celebrate with Israel on Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Participants will meet with Polish students to engage in a dialogue around Holocaust remembrance and commemoration, as well as hear stories of Righteous Among the Nations, who inspire tremendous courage.

PRE-TRIP

Students are required to attend several educational seminars and a Shabbaton specifically created for the March of the Living Canada. These sessions are designed to equip participants with basic knowledge and background on the Holocaust and Israel prior to their departure. Key themes include Jewish life before the war, the history of antisemitism and Nazism, the Final Solution, Zionism and the State of Israel, Israeli peoplehood, as well as life as a Jewish person living in the Diaspora.

TRIP: PART ONE (POLAND)

The first part of the trip takes place in Poland and includes visits to several Polish cities and villages that were once vibrant centres of Jewish life, including Warsaw, Krakow, and Lublin. Participants will visit the concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Majdanek, and Treblinka, where much of European Jewry was annihilated. The experience in Poland will be marked by special observances, including the March of the Living itself on Yom HaShoah. While this part of the trip is incredibly emotional, there will also be moments of hope. Students will meet with a new generation of Polish Jews who are committed to keeping Judaism alive, as well as some Righteous Among the Nations, whose stories inspire tremendous courage.

TRIP: PART TWO (ISRAEL)

The second part of the trip takes place in Israel, where participants will celebrate the establishment and the survival of the Jewish State through the lens of Holocaust education. Participants will take part in many national and international events organized specifically for the March of the Living. On Yom HaZikaron—Israel’s Remembrance Day—students will attend ceremonies honouring Israel’s soldiers who gave their lives in defense of their country. The next evening, Yom Ha’aztmaut, will include an incredible party to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.

TRIP: PART ONE (POLAND)

The first part of the trip takes place in Poland and includes visits to several Polish cities and villages that were once vibrant centres of Jewish life, including Warsaw, Krakow, and Lublin. Participants will visit the concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Majdanek, and Treblinka, where much of European Jewry was annihilated. The experience in Poland will be marked by special observances, including the March of the Living itself on Yom HaShoah. While this part of the trip is incredibly emotional, there will also be moments of hope. Students will meet with a new generation of Polish Jews who are committed to keeping Judaism alive, as well as some Righteous Among the Nations, whose stories inspire tremendous courage.

There is an educator, UJA staff, and security on each bus for the entire duration of the program.

Eligibility & Cost:

The costs of the 2024 Adult program:

• Poland and Israel - $14,150 USD

• Poland Only - $7,750 USD

Eligibility: 40 years +

The cost of the program includes:

European 5 star hotel accommodation
Three Kosher meals a day
All entrance fees
March of the Living Swag

FAQ

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DUE?

Applications will close on October 30, 2023 or when the program is full.

DO I HAVE TO BE VACCINATED?

Yes, all participants are required to be fully vaccinated for all in person programming.

WHAT ARE THE DATES OF THE PROGRAM?

The 2024 tentative dates are:
Poland only: May 1st – May 9th
Poland and Israel: May 1st – May 15th
*Subject to change slightly

DO I NEED INSURANCE?

It is mandatory for participants to have emergency hospital and medical insurance coverage that is valid in Poland and Israel for the duration of the trip.
Participants will be required to submit proof of their plan, their policy number, and details on how to make a claim.

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE INSURANCE?

We are not affiliated with any insurance company and cannot make any recommendations as to where participants should purchase insurance.

ARE THE SURVIVORS TRAVELLING?

Our hope is that survivors will be able to travel with us.

CAN I MAKE BUS/ROOMING REQUESTS?

Yes, on the application you can identify who you would like to room with.

HOW DOES ROOMING WORK IF I DON'T KNOW ANYONE?

Rooms are double occupancy, if you don’t know anyone and would like a double room, we will do our best to match you with another participant should you wish. Please note: In the case where we are unable to match you with another single traveler, you will need to pay for your single supplement.

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto Israel Engagement

Adults