What is the name of the March of the Living Delegation / Group that you traveled with? Montreal High School
Year(s) attended: 2017

What was the most memorable moment of your experience? The most memorable moment of the March for me was during the walk from Auschwitz to Birkenau when we began to walk downhill and I saw the 10,000 other blue jackets marching in front of me. The feeling was indescribable. In that moment I realized I was a part of something bigger than I knew. I was part of a Jewish community marching to remember the past and protect the future.

What impact did Poland have on you? My Poland experience was one that I will never forget. The emotions I felt in Poland I could have never expected. It is there in Poland, where I really understood what the Holocaust was and where I pledged to myself to ensure that myself and others never forget.

What impact did Israel have on you? My first time is Israel was unforgettable. For each and every moment that I was in Israel, I never felt more happy to be where I was. Being in Israel provided me with happiness and extreme pride.

How were you impacted by the overall experience? Overall, the March of the Living experience was eye opening. This trip enabled me to connect with my Jewish identity and foster a deeper meaning of the Holocaust. The two weeks that I spent in Poland and Israel must have been the two most important weeks of my life. From my tears in Poland to my laughter in Israel, the emotions I felt during this trip I will never forget. I would do this trip all over again in an instant. It was truly the experience of a lifetime.

What else would you like to share about your experience? From the day my trip started I felt like I was born into a family. And now, only 24 hours after my return from Israel, I miss my family a lot.