Every year, a new group of young people travels to Poland with the March of the Living, retracing the physical sites of the Holocaust alongside survivors and educators who share firsthand testimony. This year's Young Adult delegation marked the return of a program that had gone dormant for several years. Alexa and Jesse Tepperman took on the responsibility of leading that return, making sure this generation's understanding of the Holocaust came from presence and testimony, carried forward by the people who lived it. Here's what that responsibility looked like from the inside, in their own words.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

When we were asked to serve as Co-Chairs of this year's Young Adult March of the Living delegation, we felt both honoured and inspired.

This year's delegation was particularly meaningful because it marked the return of a Young Adult March after several years without one. At a time when so many young Jews are searching for connection, community, and a deeper understanding of their identity, the opportunity to bring this group together felt more important than ever.

Jesse: For me, the experience was a full-circle moment. Having participated in March of the Living as a teenager, I have carried the lessons of that journey with me for years. Returning as a Co-Chair gave me the opportunity to revisit an experience that helped shape my Jewish identity while helping create that same opportunity for others.

Alexa: For me, this was my first experience on March of the Living. While I grew up learning about the Holocaust through family stories, school, and community involvement, nothing could have prepared me for the experience of standing in the places where history unfolded. Walking through former ghettos, concentration camps, and once-thriving Jewish communities across Poland transformed history from something I had learned into something I deeply felt.

Experiencing the journey together gave us a unique perspective. Alongside an incredible group of young adults, we spent the week reflecting on the past, exploring what it means to be Jewish today, and considering our responsibility to future generations. We watched participants engage in difficult conversations, ask thoughtful questions, form meaningful friendships, and strengthen their connection to Jewish life and community.

This year's experience also carried an added layer of significance. Due to the ongoing war, our delegation was unable to continue on to Israel as traditionally planned. While disappointing, it reinforced an important reality: Jewish history is not something confined to the past. The challenges facing the Jewish people today make the lessons of March of the Living feel more relevant and urgent than ever.

As parents of three young children, the experience resonated deeply with both of us. We found ourselves thinking about the stories we hope to pass on, the values we want to instill, and the responsibility we share to ensure future generations understand both the tragedy of the Holocaust and the resilience of the Jewish people.

One of the aspects that made this year's delegation possible was the generosity of community donors who recognized the importance of investing in young adult engagement. After several years without a Young Adult March, donor support helped make the program financially accessible and ultimately allowed this delegation to move forward. That support reduced barriers and enabled more young adults to take part in this transformative experience.

The impact of March of the Living extends far beyond the days spent in Poland. It shapes how participants engage with their communities, connect with their Jewish identity, and carry our collective story forward. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this year's delegation possible and proud to have played a small role in helping bring this important experience to a new generation.

Alexa & Jesse Tepperman