When I was 15 years old, I was a participant in Heller High (EIE at that time) and journeyed to Poland and Israel with my group. Twelve years later, I can confirm that this experience shaped my identity and is a memory I carry close to my heart. The education I received, the stories and testimonies I heard, and my time in Israel all contributed to my career as a Jewish professional. Now, working for Yallah! Israel, I have the privilege (and responsibility) to bring this opportunity to the next generation. The journey from Poland to Israel offers profound lessons and insights while offering a transformative experience that connects past atrocities with current challenges. It urges our youth to confront history while forging a brighter future.
Remembering the Past
Auschwitz 1, Treblinka, and Warsaw were only three of our stops in Poland. At Auschwitz 1, which is now a museum, our students solemnly reflected on the horrors inflicted on the Jews as well as deeply affected minority groups who endured this death camp. Our campers searched for family names among those who were killed and had the chance to share them during a ceremony.
While visiting Treblinka, now a memorial, our students not only learned about history, but witnessed history being made. Two days before we visited, a group of researchers began excavating an area of Treblinka where they believed the gas chambers were located. We got to see this excavation unfolding and speak with the researchers. It was a great privilege to bear witness to this history.
Why is it so important for our youth to bear witness to this? Because we must ensure that the memory of those lost are held in our collective consciousness and honor the once-flourishing Polish Jewish communities.
As we explored Warsaw, we learned about the Jewish community and individuals who once lived there. We visited the Jewish Community Center, met with members of the Jewish community, and attended services at Ec Chaim synagogue in Warsaw.
Linking History to Today
October 7th serves as a stark reminder that the lessons of the Holocaust are not confined to history books. How can we combat the rising tide of antisemitism and hatred? How can we ensure that such atrocities never happen again? During our first week in Israel, we briefly traveled within the Gaza envelope to learn more about what happened on October 7th. We visited Tkuma, a moshav community in southern Israel, where we saw the burnt cars collected from the roads around the Nova festival. Our guide shared, "This is the first time Jews have been burned, dead and alive, since the Holocaust." This observation gave us a new perspective, especially those of us who had just visited Poland.
As we learned about the tragedy, we also learned also about Jewish life in the area before and after the attacks. We met with a few soldiers who shared their stories with us. Through these personal narratives, we were reminded that we now have a sovereign state with the ability (and responsibility) to defend ourselves. We met with several tour guides who have endured their own tragedies since October 7th, yet share their communities' stories of strength, courage and love in the midst of these times.
By linking the Holocaust to today's realities, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to uphold tolerance, justice, and tikkun olam,ensuring that the refrain "never again" becomes a reality for all.
Why This Journey Matters: Teaching Heroism Through Holocaust Education
This journey offers a wonderful opportunity for our teens. By witnessing sites of remembrance and resilience - from the Warsaw Ghetto to Yad Vashem in Jerusalem - participants gain a deeper appreciation of the Jewish People, our resilience, and our commitment to choosing love and peace.
Heroism and a vibrant community have always been values we treasure. This trip doesn't portray Jews solely as victims; it also highlights our resilience and indomitable spirit. By traveling to Poland and Israel, our campers bear witness to stories of survival, resistance, and collective strength. They learn that the Holocaust was not just a tragedy endured, but a testament to the courage and determination of those who fought to survive and put others before themselves.
This journey also outlines the evolution of Jewish identity and the establishment of the State of Israel. Today, Israel stands as a beacon of compassion and a symbol of the Jewish People's right to self-determination. Israelis work tirelessly to foster a society rooted in justice, equality, humanitarian aid, and work to create peace for all within the region. While in Israel, our campers joined this initiative by volunteering every week. They packed food and planned a whole day of fun with children from Kibbutz Dorot, which is a kibbutz located on the border in the Gaza envelope. Additionally, our campers volunteered to play with children at Save a Child's Heart, which is an Israeli humanitarian aid organization providing cardiac healthcare to children worldwide.
By understanding the trials, triumphs, and ongoing contributions of Jewish history, our youth emerge with a renewed sense of purpose to uphold resilience, heroism, and compassion in their own lives and communities. This journey isn't just about remembering the past; it's about shaping a future where history's lessons guide us toward a better world.
Empowering the Next Generation
In Tykocin, Poland, we gathered in a synagogue that was built in 1642. Before August 25, 1941, when 1,400 Jews were led to their deaths, this synagogue was a central space for the Jewish community. On July 3, 2024, our campers danced and sang in that same synagogue. We held hands and celebrated our community.
The journey from Poland to Israel is more than an educational experience, it breathes life into us and our community, shapes our Jewish identities, and imparts knowledge. This journey teaches our young people to choose love over hate and, by doing so, change our world for the better.
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