University

“As we travel with the March of the Living to witness places of tragic times in our history, and hear the stories of living witnesses, our survivors. You students, as the future generation, are the memory keepers and one day will be the storytellers.”

- Martha Shemtov,
Survivor

“Always remember the lessons of the Shoah. It is part of our Jewish history. When the survivors are no longer here, it will be up to the future generations to carry on. I hope that the students commit to remembering the lessons of the Shoah and will have a greater dedication to the Jewish people and Israel.”

- Anita Ekstein,
Survivor

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 (Holocaust Remembrance Day) in honour of those who survived and in memory of those who perished. Mourn with Israel on Yom HaZikaron (Remembrance Day) and celebrate with Israel on Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day).

PRE-TRIP

Participants will be provided tools and resources specifically curated by March of the Living Canada 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, 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. Participants will engage in a dialogue around Holocaust remembrance and commemoration, as well as hear stories of the Righteous Among the Nations, who inspire tremendous courage.

TRIP: PART TWO (ISRAEL)

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

If you would still like to register, please email Witnee at wkarp@ujafed.org

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. Participants will engage in a dialogue around Holocaust remembrance and commemoration, as well as hear stories of the Righteous Among the Nations, who inspire tremendous courage.

If you would still like to register, please email Witnee at wkarp@ujafed.org

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

Eligibility & Cost:

All student applications for the March of the Living are chosen based upon emotional maturity and a desire for community engagement and education.

What to Know:

This program is designed for university and college students who missed the opportunity to travel in high school.

Participants will still be eligible to participate on Birthright Israel in the future.

The cost for the 2024 University program is $9,150 USD.

If the cost is prohibitive, please apply for financial assistance.

Limited scholarships are available for Toronto participants.
This includes:

Airfare
Transportation on the ground in Poland and Israel
Hotel accommodation
Daily meals
All entrance fees

Applications for financial assistance are now closed

FAQ

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DUE?

Due to the current situation, registration will remain open. We will be in touch with anyone who has started an application when more details are available. You do not need to pay a deposit to secure your spot at this time.

WHAT ARE THE DATES OF THE PROGRAM?

The tentative dates for 2024 are May 1^st – May 15^th. *Subject to change slightly.

WILL I STILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL IN THE FUTURE?

Yes, the March of the Living University program will still allow for Birthright Israel eligibility in the future.

IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?

Applications for financial support are now closed. We understand March of the Living can be a cost prohibitive program and urge you to not let the cost of the program stop you from applying. If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact Witnee, wkarp@ujafed.org.
March of the Living also has a partnership with Jewish Free Loan whereby families can take an interest free loan and create a custom repayment plan to pay for the program.

WHAT DOES THE COST OF THE TRIP INCLUDE?

The cost of the program covers airfare from Toronto to Poland, Poland to Israel and Israel to Toronto, hotels, meals, gratuities, ground transportation, and all programming on the ground.

HOW DO FLIGHTS WORK?

The March of the Living is an international program coordinating flights for over 10,000 participants from around the world. We do not take airline, flight, or seat requests. Most often we charter flights and the most common airlines we fly are Air Canada, EL AL and LOT.

HOW DO FRIEND REQUESTS WORK?

Participants can make up to 3 friend requests and are guaranteed 1 friend request on their bus. Friend requests are not considered in any particular order, so please ensure that you are comfortable writing someone's name down with the chance of him/her being the sole friend on your bus.

HOW DOES ROOMING WORK?

Occupancy ranges from 2-4 participants in a room for the duration of the program. While we cannot guarantee friend requests for rooming, we do take them into account. Each participant will always have their own bed.

IS THE TRIP NUT FREE?

The March of the Living is not a nut-free trip, but it is nut-sensitive. Participants with allergies must be cognizant of what they are eating.

ARE THERE SURVIVORS TRAVELLING?

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

DO I HAVE TO BE VACCINATED?

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

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. We strongly recommend individuals also purchase cancellation insurance.

WHERE CAN PARTICIPANTS PURCHASE INSURANCE?

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

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT IS NOT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO ISRAEL?

If it is not safe to travel to Israel, March of the Living will travel to Poland only. If that scenario unfolds, we will provide you all details including cost, dates, etc.

CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE SECURITY ON THE TRIP?

The safety and security of your children are always our top priority. All travel decisions made by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto in cooperation with the Government of Israel, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Security Desk of the Ministry of Education in Israel, security experts and authorities in Israel, as well as the Government of Poland. UJA Toronto strives to provide participants with the highest standards of security at all points in both Poland and Israel.

WHAT IS THE CANCELATION POLICY?

The cancellation policy is detailed in the terms and conditions which can be found in the application.

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto Israel Engagement

University