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.
What are the Dates, Deadlines and Application Process?
The Dates for the March of the Living are April 7 – April 21, 2010.
Applications are available by request to Marcia Tatz Wollner at (858) 268-9200 ext 123 or e-mail marcia@ajesd.org. There are five components of the application process: general application, medical form, essay detailing why you want to go on the March of the Living, letters of recommendation written by a teacher, principal, Rabbi, high school counselor or youth advisor, and a personal interview. Applications and a $500 deposit are due by October 31. You will be contacted regarding your interview in November. The actual cost of the program is $5200. Due to the Agency for Jewish Education/ March of the Living philanthropic fund held at the Jewish Community Foundation, the cost per student is $3300. This cost is subject to a 5% increase. No refunds after January 31.
Will I still be eligible for Birthright Israel if I participate in March of the Living?
Yes, you can still participate in the Birthright Israel Program. Since March of the Living spends only 7 days in Israel, attendees can participate in both programs.
What kind of financial aid and grants are available?
The fee of $3330 already reflects the subsidy which is provided through the Agency for Jewish Education/ March of the Living philanthropic fund held at the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego.
Additionally, needs based scholarships are available through the Israel Center, LLC. The deadline for the Israel programs needs-based scholarship from the Israel Center LLC is November 6, 2009.For more information and to download an application, go to: http://jewishinsandiego.com/page.aspx?ID=157106
How do I get excused from my public school classes to participate?
Contact the Agency for Jewish Education for a letter that can be given to your school counselor which details the March of the Living experience. If the school has further questions, they can contact Marcia Tatz Wollner at the AJE, phone (858) 268-9200 ext 123.
For what grades is the March of the Living appropriate?
March of the Living is open to students currently in grades 11 and 12. Be advised that this program requires emotional maturity due to the subject matter.
What kind of security measures will be in place for the safety of the participants?
Security is of the highest level in both Poland and Israel. Security in Poland is coordinated jointly by the Polish and Israeli governments. Security in Israel is coordinated by the Israeli government which supports the March of the Living.
What religious practices or expectations are there; and are there dietary restrictions? What kind of dietary accommodations are there?
The program is set up to accommodate the religious needs of all the students. All food in both Poland and Israel is certified kosher. Special dietary needs may be difficult to accommodate, especially in Poland.
What are the requirements for acceptance to this program?
Completed application (to be provided upon request), medical forms, an essay, a personal interview, and letters of recommendation are required. Participation in the March of the Living seminar offered though the teen engagement department of the Agency for Jewish Education is required.
What kind of staffing is provided?
The staff accompanying the students is comprised of a doctor, a mental health professional, educators, Rabbi, and a Holocaust survivor.
Isn’t this a really depressing trip?
We have found that visiting sites in Poland, while filled with emotion, is also quite uplifting. There are thousands of Jewish teens from all over the world experiencing it together. Additionally, there is a mental health professional with the group at all times. The Israel portion of the trip is powerful and inspiring, and students come away from the March of the Living knowing they have experienced a life-changing event.
To learn more, visit www.motl.org
MOL participants-2009
Ilana Kempinski,
Marissa Ostroff,
Carolyn Berlin (chaperone),
Jackie Gaylis,
Liora Jaffe,
Lara Goldberg,
Sigal Neustein,
Rachel Herring,
Ilana Newman,
Jocelyn Metsch,
Miriam Alpert,
Kevin Middleton.
4950 Murphy Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA 92123,
ph: 858-268-9200, Fax: 858-268-9590, email: aje@ajesd.org
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