THE MARCH OF THE LIVING is an international, educational program that brings Jewish teens from all over the world to Poland on Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, to march from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest concentration camp complex built during World War II, and then to Israel to observe Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day, and Yom Ha´Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day.
The goal of the March of the Living is for these young people to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and to lead the Jewish people into the future vowing Never Again.

An International Educational Program

In April 2007, thousands of Jewish teens from countries around the world will share in a once-in-a-lifetime experience when they march three kilometers from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest concentration camp complex built by the Nazis during World War II. The “March” commemorates YOM HASHOAH–Holocaust Remembrance Day. You can be there – along with over 8,000 students who will be part of this historic event. As one of the Marchers you will retrace the steps of the “March of Death,” the actual route which countless numbers of our people were forced to take on their way to the gas chambers at Birkenau. You will experience Jewish history where it was made. This time, however, there will be a difference. It will be a “March of the Living” with thousands of Jewish youth, like yourself, marching shoulder to shoulder.

You will participate in a memorial service at one of the gas chambers/ crematoria in Birkenau, which will conclude with the singing of Hatikvah, reaffirming “Am Yisrael Chai – The Jewish People Live.” From Poland, you will fly to Israel to join the entire Jewish community in celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s 59th Independence Day. You will participate in a week of unforgettable experiences.

"I feel that as a March participant it is my responsibility to now take what I have learnt and seen and to pass this knowledge and message on to future generations or people who might not know about the holocaust - especially with the rising level of denial and anti-Semitism." - Oran Franco, Auckland, New Zealand. 

Unforgettable Moment

YOM HASHOAH and YOM HA´ATZMAUT are two of the most important days in modern Jewish times. By taking part in these special events, you will share unforgettable moments in Jewish history and bear witness to the undying spirit of the Jewish people. Like those who participated in the last sixteen Marches (held in 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006), you will return home with a new sense of yourself, your people and your history. It will be an experience that will remain with you for a lifetime.

The Contrast

Your stay in Poland and Israel will be a study in contrasts. In Poland you will search for traces of a world that is no more. You will discover that, of the hundreds of Jewish schools, synagogues and institutions that existed in Warsaw before the war, all that remains is one sparsely attended synagogue (used by the Nazis as a stable during the war) and a centuries-old Jewish cemetery that was left relatively untouched by the Nazis during their occupation of Warsaw. Today you can see a new resurgence of Jewish culture with synagogues, schools, organizations and youth groups. Like many others you may leave Poland still wondering how it was possible for the destruction of an entire generation of Jews to occur – you will pledge to keep their memory alive.

"I felt that on the March of the Living from Auschwitz to Birkenau we walked together in silence, but I was walking alone. On the March of Celebration to the Old City - we walked and sang and danced together for everyone and everything we had experienced. It was so exhilarating and uplifting walking through the ancient gate of Jerusalem, to the beat of the drums and clapping of our own hands and the chanting of our voices. Bystanders joined in singing. I didn´t know all the words but I still sang loud. Thinking about it now, I´m excited and I can´t stop smiling!" - Bianca Kraitzick, Auckland, New Zealand.

In Israel, you will encounter a country that is striving valiantly to keep the age-old flame of Jewish nationhood alive. On YOM HAZIKARON you will join together with all of Israel as they mourn their fallen soldiers and the victims of terror and on YOM HA’ATZMAUT you will celebrate Israel’s independence along with the entire country. Poland and Israel; one, the richness and anguish of our past; the other, the hope of our future. This experience will help you understand how important both aspects are to your identity as a Jewish teenager living in the 21st century.

World Wide Participation

The “March of the Living” will bring together Jewish teens from over 60 countries and regions around the world including Israel, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Latin America, France, Germany, Belgium and Poland. You will have an opportunity to meet some of these teenagers. Together you will share moments of sadness and joy and create long-lasting bonds.

In Poland

You will visit the concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Treblinka and Majdanek. You will also visit historic Jewish sites in WARSAW (the Ghetto Memorial, Mila 18, the Jewish Cemetery, the restored Nozyck Synagogue) CRACOW (the Jewish Quarter, the Ramah Synagogue) and LUBLIN (the famous Yeshiva). The highlight will be the “March of the Living.”

In Israel

During your stay in Israel you will take part in many special events organized specifically for participants of the March. On Israel’s 59th Independence Day, all of the groups from around the world will join thousands of Israelis in this national celebration. You will visit a number of exciting locations and ancient sites, such as Jerusalem, Masada, Tel Aviv, the Golan Heights, the Galilee, the Negev and more.

"Being in Israel was good for us, it made us even more proud of who we are. Israel made us prouder, and Poland made us stronger." - Sophia Duckor-Jones, Wellington, New Zealand.

"How can one here today not be concerned with the assault that is being waged on Jewish memory? Some people deny that it occurred, others turn it around and say that we were guilty. Others still, in their viciousness, use a vocabulary that we use with regard to the killer, but they use it against Israel. ...How can there not be concern about anti-Semitism? We were convinced that anti Semitism perished here. Anti-Semitism did not perish. Its victims did.” — Elie Wiesel at the "March Ceremony 2005".

Find out more about the March of the Living program by contacting:

National: Dudi Schmidt Tel: (09) 523 4237 Email: Shaliach@zfnz.org.nz