THE MARCH THAT STAYED WITH YOU
Global Alumni Essay Contest
The March of the Living did not end at Birkenau.
For many alumni, it became a defining moment – one that shaped memory, identity, and responsibility in ways that unfolded over time.
TOPICS
- How the March changed you
- How it shaped your Jewish identity
- What it meant to march with Holocaust survivors
- How that experience echoes in your life today
- What it means to stand between memory and the future
Essay Details
- 500–1000 words in length
- Open to March of the Living alumni worldwide
- One original essay per person
- May be submitted in any language. Please include an English translation.
DEADLINE
MARCH 1, 2026
Selected essays will be published online, and the top three will also be featured on news platforms in the days surrounding Yom HaShoah.
Another way to share your reflection
For alumni who prefer to express themselves visually, we also welcome short video reflections submitted alongside written essays.
These videos should reflect your March experience and what it continues to mean to you today.
Written essays remain the primary format for this contest.
Video Details
- 30–60 seconds
- Vertical video preferred
- One original video per person
- Videos may be edited for clarity and length
- Selected videos may be featured on March of the Living digital platforms
Why Your Voice Matters
Carrying memory forward
As alumni of the March of the Living, we carry a responsibility to take memory forward and to share it with the world.
In an era of rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial, personal testimony matters more than ever.
Questions? Contact us!
Please note: We reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity and brevity.