Marching to Remember: The Power of Holocaust Education
Every year, thousands gather in Poland for an extraordinary event that bridges the past and present. The March of the Living, an annual educational program, brings people from across the globe to walk the somber path from Auschwitz to Birkenau on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. This powerful journey isn’t just about remembering; it’s about understanding, honoring, and ensuring that the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten or repeated.
The Staggering Numbers: A Reminder of Lives Lost
The Holocaust claimed the lives of 6 million Jews and an additional 5 million non-Jews, including Roma and Sinti people, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. These staggering numbers represent real people, families torn apart, and communities destroyed. The March of the Living serves as a living memorial to these victims, with around 8,000 participants from around the world joining this year’s event.
Survivors Leading the Way: A Powerful Testament
What makes the March of the Living truly unique is the presence of Holocaust survivors who lead the march. These brave individuals, who lived through unimaginable horrors, now guide new generations along the same path they once walked in fear. Their participation is a powerful testament to resilience and the importance of bearing witness.
Jack Weiser: A Survivor’s Perspective
I had the privilege of speaking with Jack Weiser, a Holocaust survivor participating in the march. His words were deeply moving:”Being a participant is tremendously emotional. I have the time to absorb the terrible tragedy that took place here, where so many people were murdered on arrival, including my mother. I feel a sense of duty because I survived. I was hidden, and now I have the need to carry the thought forward, to ensure that the Jewish people, in particular, and all others who suffered and were murdered here are remembered and commemorated in the right way.”
Flags of Hope: Symbolism in the March
Many marchers carried the Israeli flag during the event, symbolizing the rebirth of the Jewish people through the creation of their own nation after facing near annihilation. This powerful image serves as a reminder of resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Personal Connections: Why People March
Louisa Gardo, one of the participants, shared her personal reason for joining the march:”I’m marching today because my family fled from Germany in the 1930s. It’s so important to never forget what happened in those awful years under the Nazi regime. These are my family members that were murdered during the Holocaust: Bera, Arthur, Joanna, Henrietta, Elsa, Hedwig, Eva, Vera, and Daniel. Daniel was 2 years old when he was murdered by the Nazis. I will remember them.”
The Shadow of Recent Events
This year’s March of the Living took place against the backdrop of recent tragic events. The October 7th Hamas attack on Israel and the ongoing conflict have added a new layer of complexity to the commemoration. Some Holocaust survivors who participated in the march also survived the October 7th massacre in southern Israel, highlighting the ongoing struggle against hatred and violence.
A Promise for the Future
As we reflect on the March of the Living, we’re reminded that Holocaust remembrance is not just about the past – it’s a commitment to the future. By educating new generations about the horrors of the Holocaust and standing united against oppression, we can work towards a world where such atrocities never happen again.The March of the Living serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes the past isn’t just a memory – it’s a warning. It’s up to all of us to heed that warning and take action to create a more just and compassionate world.
