Young Adult Program

About the Program

The International Young Adult March of the Living is a two week trip to Poland and Israel to learn about the Jewish community that once flourished in Europe, the tragedy of the Holocaust, and the establishment and survival of the State of Israel.

In POLAND: The program will include visits to a number of Polish cities, towns and villages that were once vibrant centers of Jewish life and learning. You will also visit the concentration/death camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Majdanek, and Treblinka where millions of European Jews were annihilated. Your experience in Poland will be marked by special observances, culminating with the March of the Living itself on Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) – a three kilometer silent march between Auschwitz and Birkenau with thousands of people from around the world.

In ISRAEL: The program will combine visits to a number of exciting places and ancient sites, including Jerusalem, the Galilee and Golan Heights, Tel Aviv, the Negev Desert and more. On Yom Hazikaron – Israel’s Remembrance Day – participants will attend ceremonies honoring Israeli soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defense of their country. The next evening, Yom Ha’aztmaut – Israel’s Independence Day – will include a celebration in honor of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.

“Aside from the history, stories and experiences on the trip itself, I learned so much about life and what I want from it. After the trip, I was able to really put the things in my life into perspective. It helped me order out my priorities and come to realize that life is too short to worry about the small stuff – to only do the things that will make you happy and enjoy each and every day.”

- Rikki Bennie, Young Adult March of the Living participant (2008)

Downloads

• Sample Itinerary (2012) (from the Canadian office)
• Sample Itinerary (2011) (from the Canadian office)
• 2013 YA MOL Poster

Eligibility and Participation

Jewish young adults between the ages of 21 and 30 are eligible to apply. We will accept applications from individuals over 30; however, should there be an excess of applicants, priority will be given to those individuals within the aforementioned age bracket.

The March of the Living is a physically and emotionally intense experience. Participants must be aware of and able to deal with the demanding nature of the program.

Dates for the 2014 program are still pending. After tentative dates are announced, exact dates will be confirmed when registration is complete and the total number of participants has been determined. Please contact Shira Webber at swebber@ujafed.org if you require a letter for professors and/or employers to assist with requesting an exam deferral and/or vacation time.

Select cities will offer a number of optional pre-trip seminars to help prepare for the program. These sessions are a great way to enhance your knowledge and get to know your fellow participants, but are not mandatory. If you are unable to attend or live in a city which is not offering sessions, we will mail and/or email you materials to help you prepare for the program.

The Cost

TBD. The trip fee covers airfare, hotels, meals, gratuities and transportation. Limited subsidies are available for participants based on financial need. For more information, please email Shira Webber at swebber@ujafed.org.