Young Adults

“History should never be allowed to repeat itself. And G-d forbid if it does, this generation should not go like sheep to the slaughter. But I am sure that they won’t because of March of the Living. I’m sure that this will never happen again.”

- Nancy Kleinberg,
Survivor

“On the day of the actual International March of the Living, I can remember a feeling of awe as I passed among different groups of participants. Young and old, from all of the corners of the world. This is important, I told myself. Walking arm in arm with survivors through the camps is unfortunately an opportunity that will not always be available to us. I am extremely grateful for my time on the program.”

- Alex Sadowski,
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.

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. 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.

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:

The costs of the 2024 Young Adult program:

• Poland and Israel - $4,800 USD + $2,500 CAD fundraising

• Poland Only - $3,600 USD + $2,500 CAD fundraising

Eligibility: 21 - 40 years of age

The cost of the program includes:

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

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.

CAN I PARTICIPATE IN A POLAND ONLY PRORGAM?

Yes, you can indicate that on your application.

WHAT ARE THE DATES OF THE PROGRAM?

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

IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?

o March of the Living has a partnership with Jewish Free Loan whereby participants can take an interest free loan and create a custom repayment plan to cover the cost of March of the Living.

WHAT DOES THE COST OF TRIP INCLUDE?

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

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.

CAN I MAKE ROOMING REQUESTS?

Yes! Please make sure to indicate who you would like to room with in the Friend Request section. Generally, rooms are organized by gender, but couples can be roomed together on request. If you would prefer to room by yourself, please select a Single supplement (at an additional cost).

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 cancelation 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

Young Adults