In the shadow of war in Israel, fifty Holocaust Survivors, from communities around the world, ages 80–100, led the 2026 International March of the Living in April 2026 under the banner “Marching Against Antisemitism.” In a powerful show of defiance and strength, they were joined by other victims of recent antisemitic attacks including the Washington D.C. shooting, the Yom Kippur attack in Manchester, England and Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia and freed hostages from October 7th.
They marched alongside 7,000 participants from around the globe, representing both Jewish and diverse backgrounds.
Other events throughout the week in Poland highlighted the themes of Passing the Torch of Memory to the next generation, as well as Jewish unity, solidarity and pride.
Cover Credits · Kineret Rifkind
Aged 80–100
Leaders
Reach
Antisemitism
The annual March of the Living in Auschwitz-Birkenau took place on April 14, 2026, with over 7,000 participants from over 30 countries of all backgrounds. They marched under the slogan “Marching Against Antisemitism,” joined by many representatives of diverse backgrounds and different faiths.
Sylvan Adams (center), President, World Jewish Congress – Israel and Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun lit a memorial torch with Eva Weitzen, Yoni Finlay, Abbie Talmoud & Catherine Szkop, Survivors of the Bondi Beach, Manchester and Washington DC Antisemitic attacks. Credit · Blake Ezra Photography
Participants march the three kilometers from Auschwitz to Birkenau. Credit · Ryan Blau
130+ senior law-enforcement figures from around the world marched under the “Not On Our Watch” declaration. Credit · Yossi Zeliger
Holocaust survivor Nate Leipciger with an imam from the Sharaka delegation of Muslim faith leaders. Credit · Kineret Rifkind
“We must stand for truth. We must stand against hatred. We must stand for each other.”Nate Leipciger · Holocaust Survivor, 98 · Toronto, Canada
Torch of Memory
A key theme of the 2026 program was Passing the Torch of Memory from the survivors to the next generation. With the number of survivors rapidly dwindling and the cause more urgent than ever before, the young participants of the March pledged to become the “witnesses for the witnesses” — to carry that responsibility forward for future generations.
Holocaust survivors and participants at the Erev Yom HaShoah Ceremony. Credit · Abbie Sophia
Holocaust survivor Eva Kuper with a young marcher. Credit · Ryan Blau
Participants hold the personal memorial plaques they wrote and carried on the March. Credit · Ryan Blau
Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich MBE embraced by a marcher. Credit · Kineret Rifkind
“Standing in the camps and monuments I realized that was the moment I stopped being a student and I became a witness.”Raquel · Panama · 2026 Student Reflection
Beyond the March itself, the 2026 program brought participants together across generations and continents in shared prayer, song and celebration of Jewish life and continuity. Despite the challenges facing the Jewish community both in Israel and the diaspora, March participants, above all, shared moments of intense pride in their shared heritage.
Holocaust survivors dancing with the next generation at the Havdalah ceremony in Warsaw. Credit · Kineret Rifkind
Students from delegations around the world gather together at Auschwitz–Birkenau. Credit · Ryan Blau
Participants lay tefillin together beside the railway tracks at Birkenau. Credit · Ryan Blau
A participant wrapped in the Israeli flag looks toward the gate at Birkenau. Credit · Ryan Blau
“The March felt very united and gave me a sense of pride and being Jewish. It really reminded me of the strength of the Jewish people, and how far we’ve come.”Sarah · Toronto, Canada · 2026 Student Reflection
A moving virtual ceremony marked the beginning of Yom HaShoah. Holocaust survivors, March leadership, and special guests lit the flame of remembrance together — joined by thousands from around the world.
Fifty Holocaust survivors, aged 80 to 100, led 7,000 participants from 30+ countries on the annual march from Auschwitz to Birkenau on Yom HaShoah.
Featuring the personal stories of Holocaust survivors who participated in the 2026 March of the Living — a tribute and a tool for education, ensuring their stories endure.
Four alumni — three decades of marching — reflect on the experience that transformed their understanding of memory, identity, and responsibility.
Your support enables March of the Living to continue providing meaningful Holocaust education for future generations.
Donate“The March of the Living was truly a life-changing journey that left a profound and lasting impact on me. When I left Birkenau, I made a promise to myself that I would return and also do my part to help others experience something so meaningful and transformative”.Sol · Argentina · 2026 Student Reflection
“There will never be the right words to describe how powerful this trip was for me.....This March was incredibly powerful, the memories I gained and stories I heard continue to echo through me even weeks later. I wander through the world with more hope and strength buzzing within me, but also with a more thoughtful way to interact with those around me. I believe one of the things I’ll carry most from the experience is the power of empathy, love, and hope.”Cece · United Kingdom · 2026 Student Reflection
Credit · Ryan Blau