2022 Virtual March of the Living

Tell us in a few words about yourself.

I’ve been working and volunteering in the Jewish community for over 10 years. Professionally, I’m currently working as an assistant psychologist. In my role, I run interventions to support children’s learning and social and emotional wellbeing. I am passionate about education and mental health and hope to pursue a career in this field. I am also passionate about education in the Jewish community and empowering young Jews to connect with and feel a sense of pride in their Jewish identity.  

If you have experienced antisemitism in your country, how was it expressed?

I’ve personally not been victim to antisemitism. However, it holds an overwhelming presence in my country. Antisemitism has evolved with the times and I have friends who have suffered antisemitic abuse, particularly over social media. Additionally, the development of antisemitism within mainstream politics in the UK has been discussed extensively in the media. It’s important to remember that the oppressed should be the ones who define their oppression. When Jewish concerns are not sufficiently addressed, there is a real issue.

What do you feel is the most productive way to fight hate?

Before we can fight hate, we need to recognise that it exists. In recognising that it exists, we need to have empathy, empathy to listen and learn from the experiences of those who have been victims of hate. Having recognised the existence of hate, I believe that the most productive way to fight hate is through education. I know that within my community, we need to educate ourselves and each other to focus on similarities instead of differences between people and groups, in order that we can work to remove hate. I think Holocaust education plays a vital role in helping us learn from the past so that we can respond to and fight hate in the present.

What message would you like to relay to young Jews throughout the world who are worried about antisemitism?

The message I would like to relay to Jews throughout the world who are worried about antisemitism is that being Jewish is not only about those who dislike us. It’s also about the Jewish culture, whether it’s food, song, prayer or festivals. Antisemitism is a real issue, but it is not what defines us as a people. The more proactive we are in celebrating our identity, the less reactive we need to be in combating the hate facing us.

What message do you have for those marching in the “March of the living?”

The March provides a chance to walk together with thousands of people from the international Jewish community. My message is to learn from the inspirational survivors and exceptional educators – talk to your fellow participants, who are from different cultures and backgrounds and allow yourself together to delve into our people’s history. Use this journey as a time to learn and commemorate what was lost. Additionally, use the journey as a time to celebrate the international Jewish life that exists.

Tell us in a few words about yourself.

My name is Adam Cohen. I am a 27-year-old Jewish educator from London and have also spent time teaching in Sydney. I have experienced eight extremely powerful trips to Poland and learnt about how the Holocaust stemmed from the most virulent form of antisemitism ever espoused.

If you have experienced antisemitism in your country, how was it expressed?

On one trip to Poland, our group was walking through the streets of Warsaw when a man approached and started hurling antisemitic abuse in our direction. Our security guard was thankfully alert to the situation and wrestled the man to the ground before he could confront us physically. This was enough to persuade the man to walk back in the direction he had come, whilst repeatedly looking back at us and continuing to launch his verbal tirades.

What do you feel is the most productive way to fight hate?

It is not a coincidence that the world’s most well-known social experiments were inspired by the events of the Holocaust. The Asch Conformity Experiment teaches young people the risks of conformity. The Milgram Experiment teaches young people to be aware of the extent that their peers can shape their actions and the Stanford Prison Experiment teaches young people that having power over others can bring out negative aspects of themselves that they did not know existed. Only through ensuring that young people have increased awareness of these timeless societal issues can we fight hate and witness positive change in society.

What message would you like to relay to young Jews throughout the world who are worried about antisemitism?

Use your concerns as motivation to play a lead role, either as an individual or as part of a larger organization, in combating antisemitism and all forms of hatred and bigotry that exist in today’s society.

What message do you have for those marching in the “March of the living?”

Increased identity fluidity has led to a greater emphasis on individuality than ever before. Yet, each one of you attending March of the Living highlights that the innate human desire to belong to something bigger than ourselves remains strong. As you learn more about the darkest chapter in Jewish history, you will no doubt strengthen your Jewish identity in the process and sense what it means to be an individual that belongs to the most resilient collective in the history of humanity.

Tell us in a few words about yourself.

I am Aaron Schneider, a modern-orthodox Jew who was born and raised in Sydney, Australia and has recently made Aliyah to Jerusalem.

If you have experienced antisemitism in your country, how was it expressed?

One Shabbat afternoon, after having a lovely Shabbat lunch, we were on our way to Bnei Akiva. We were joking around and having a great time, just as anyone else our age would have been. As we walked down one of the main streets of Bondi, a car that was driving past rolled down their window shouted an antisemitic slur and hurled a beer bottle at us which narrowly missed me and my friends. Shocked and afraid we did not know what to do or how to react. We hurried to our community centre and alerted the security volunteers of what had happened to us. I’d never experienced something like this before and at that moment, my idilic view of people of Sydney as an open, accepting and laidback community – the people I grew up with and that provided me with my cultural identity – was supplemented with a level of unease I could never really shake. I was different.

What do you feel is the most productive way to fight hate?

Hate does not only mean one thing. Often we think that words and debate can mellow the hearts of even the most passionate. I’m not sure I believe that. Those who are truly open-minded and willing to hear other views should be engaged with and brought to the table of intellectual discussion. However, there are those who hate for the sake of hate, that have committed themselves to a one-sided shallow world view and denied any opportunity to hear the opinions of others. Shmoozing with them achieves nothing but reinforcing their own internal cycle of hate and plays into their worldview, rather, we must strip them of their platform and do our utmost to ensure their radicalised views do not spread. We must fight the spread of radicalisation at every turn before everyone’s ears are shut forever.

What message would you like to relay to young Jews throughout the world who are worried about antisemitism?

Those who hate are often the loudest but often the smallest (in number and mind). If you listen past the kicking and the screaming, most people are good, balanced and kind. 

What message do you have for those marching in the “March of the living”

What you are doing is incredible, replacing what was once a walk of death, destruction and atrocity with one of renewed life, love and kindness. Just ensure that you continue this march even after you leave Poland. Continue this march for the rest of your life and the world will be a better place.

Tell us in a few words about yourself.

I am 28 years old and originally from Brooklyn, New York. I emigrated to Israel in the Summer of 2016 and currently live in Jerusalem with my husband David, a native of Cleveland, Ohio. I am the Director of Resource Development for a non-profit called New Spirit, which works to keep young people in Jerusalem and to ensure that Jerusalem remains a vibrant, open-minded and pluralistic place. I first visited Israel on Taglit Birthright in 2009 and after becoming religious at Binghamton University, I decided to make Aliyah (immigrate) to Israel a few years after graduation.

If you have experienced antisemitism in your country, how was it expressed?

Luckily, I never experienced antisemitism firsthand in Israel. But, I did experience it many years ago, in my first week of Junior High School, when I still lived in New York. A boy in my homeroom class blew chalk dust in my face, knowing that I was allergic, and chanted at me down the hallway leaving the school, “Look at you in that denim skirt. You’re such a dirty Jew b***h.”  It was so upsetting at the time and I went home crying to my Mom. I knew at the young age of 11 that it was blatant antisemitism that I was experiencing.  Luckily, the boy was reprimanded by school authorities and the incident was put on his permanent record.  

What do you feel is the most productive way to fight hate?

Education. Hate of any kind should be combated through education and teaching children while they are still young the crucial skills of empathy and kindness. The idea of trying to learn from those different than you and respecting them along the way. Regarding antisemitism, too many kids growing up in the 2000s aren’t receiving the same level of Holocaust history and education that I did as a child or in my parent’s generation. As we move further away in time from the Holocaust, the number of Holocaust deniers increases and young people aren’t getting all the facts. In turn, that misinformation breads intolerance and ignorance.

What message would you like to relay to young Jews throughout the world who are worried about antisemitism?  What message do you have for those marching in the “March of the living”?

Firstly, don’t be afraid to stand up against what you know is wrong. Secondly, while I hope it doesn’t ever get to this point, know that you will always have a home in Israel, if you feel that, as a Jew, you have nowhere else to go. That’s what Israel is here for – for the Jews to have a homeland where they are not persecuted.

Tell us in a few words about yourself.

I am a 31 year old filmmaker. I was born in Sydney, grew up in Melbourne. My parents were born in Sydney. Both my grandfathers were survivors from Lodz, Poland. One grandma is from Morocco and the other was from UK, previously Romania/Ukraine.

If you have experienced antisemitism in your country, how was it expressed?

Yes. I hadn’t attended a Jewish school besides prep. In 2000, grade 7, around the time of my bar mitzvah, I was at an all boys school and I was found out to be the only Jew in grade 7 and 8. I got beaten up 3-4 times a week by many people. Maybe it was because I happened to be the odd one out. Either way, it was a confusing time. I have had quite a few experiences since.

What do you feel is the most productive way to fight hate?

Education! Also, to always look at it in the face, through the eyes, into the soul.

What message would you like to relay to young Jews throughout the world who are worried about antisemitism?

Study as much as you can about history. Read and learn individual stories and perspectives. Find the patterns. Educate and be patient with those who haven’t met a Jew. Don’t be scared, be smart. Never run. Never be silent. Never be a victim. Take responsibility!

What message do you have for those marching in the “March of the living”?

Talk to the Polish youth! Learn about the history of the Jews in Poland, the good and the bad. Don’t hold the 3rd or 4th generation accountable for the sins of their ancestors. Rather, find a way to bridge the gap with information.
I visit Poland as much as I can to pay respects to my ancestors in the ground. I have found that the young Poles don’t all subscribe to some of their grandparents/great grandparents prior sins and are willing to learn! Study the pains of Polish history and find a place of empathy and information to engage in positive discourse to bridge the 40 previous generations of Jews who flourished within Poland from the beginning of their history.

Tell us in a few words about yourself.

My name is Imogen Krell. I am 24 years old and have just started a career in strategy consultancy in London. Previously, I worked on the Teach First Programme and for two years taught Math to underprivileged students as well as acted as Head of Year. Over the last 7 years, I have participated in three Holocaust trips to Poland, including the March of the Living. Each time I go, I find something new to take away and each trip reinforces my Jewish identity and connection with the Jewish community and its legacy. 

If you have experienced antisemitism in your country, how was it expressed?

Thankfully, I have not been victim to much antisemitic abuse. This may, of course, be due to the high levels of security that is featured both at my Jewish school and my synagogue. It is a sad fact, and one that is no longer unusual, that the Jewish community have armed security at every event. I recently organised a Purim party for over 500 young professionals. We had to do a background check on every attendee to ensure they were ‘safe’. Moreover, we were only able to release the venue of the event the day before to protect against a planned attack. This is not something I have had to do for other events I have organised which have not been Jewish and I think we often forget the measures that go on behind the scenes to protect the Jewish community from hate crimes.  

What do you feel is the most productive way to fight hate?

I think the most productive way to fight hate is through education and conversation. This ensures young people grow up in a tolerant society and one in which they realise that Jews are exactly the same as them. Through discussions, similarities can be found and relationships developed to form a more cohesive society. 

What message would you like to relay to young Jews throughout the world who are worried about antisemitism?

Don’t be scared to report abuse to the police or Jewish security groups, for example, the CST in the UK. Don’t be afraid to be proud of who you are and your heritage. I think, often, people respect you more when you stand up for your values and beliefs. 

What message do you have for those marching in the “March of the living”?

The March is an amazing and uplifting experience despite the horrors that have led up to it. Use the opportunity to show the Nazis that they didn’t win and march together to celebrate life and ensure that the legacy of those Jews who perished in the Holocaust live on through you. 

Tell us in a few words about yourself.

I was born in Washington but grew up in Hungary. She attended a Jewish high school.

“I finished school in Budapest and came to Israel on the Masa program. When I grew up, I was active in the Hungarian Jewish community. I attended a Jewish summer camp.”

If you have experienced antisemitism in your country, how was it expressed?

Because I attended a Jewish high school, I was living in a type of bubble. When you are surrounded by a Jewish environment, you are less exposed to antisemitism. I’m not blind, though, to what the government is doing in Hungary, such as the demonization of George Soros, who is Jewish. In November, one of the pro-government newspapers published a cover with the director of the Hungarian Jewish Federation, that showed money falling around him, which is an old Jewish stereotype that does not resonate well.   

What do you feel is the most productive way to fight hate?

The most productive way to fight hate is education. When people spew hatred, we don’t always understand what they are talking about. They might say that someone else is more successful in life because they are Jewish. It would be a step forward if we could educate people and institute programs to reach more minority groups, or those who do not live in the city and don’t have access to good education.

What message would you like to relay to young Jews throughout the world who are worried about antisemitism?

They should educate themselves and understand where the antisemitic sentiments come from and understand why the other side feels that way. I’m not saying that one should approach the antisemites in the street, because one does not know how they will react. But, it is important to understand what they are saying, even though we disagree with it. The best way to combat hatred, in the context of a normal conversation, is not to shy away from conversation. One should engage in dialogue with one’s opponents and have difficult conversations with others who might share differing views.   

What message do you have for those marching in the “March of the living”?

When I attended the March in 2015, one of the things I disliked was seeing people being photographed at Auschwitz. Obviously, it is meaningful to be there with friends and family. But, one should be respectful and shouldn’t take pictures smiling in front of the gas chambers and barbed wire. Terrible, terrible things happened there, and millions of people perished. Once you get to Israel on Independence Day, you can celebrate that we survived, and we are here in the Jewish state.

Tell us in a few words about yourself.

I’m a 27-year-old high school teacher. I’m a proud Swiss Jew.

If you have experienced antisemitism in your country, how was it expressed?

I have experienced very little antisemitism. If there were issues, it was rather a problem of ignorance than active antisemitism. Throughout my school and university career, it was almost never a problem getting time off for chagim or Shabbat. However, recently an employer was reluctant to give me time off for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. It was clear to me that she had just never had a similar case, so I wouldn’t rate that as antisemitism.

What do you feel is the most productive way to fight hate?

Dialogue. I realised that the more open I am about my Judaism, the more people are interested and the more they care. Interacting with non-Jews and not shutting ourselves off is important, so the narrative of the “other” can’t develop.

What message would you like to relay to young Jews throughout the world who are worried about antisemitism?

Continue being open-minded and don’t take on an attitude of hate yourself. Promoting tolerance and acceptance for other cultures and religions is the best instrument against hate.

What message do you have for those marching in the “March of the living”?

The March of the living is a testament to the ability of the Jewish people to get up and stand together.

Tell us a few words about yourself.

My name is Talia Chaze. I am 19, and I live in Paris with my parents. I have been in Israel for the past five and a half months, on a program with Habonim Dror, called Maslul. I am returning to Paris today. Though I completed my first year of medical school in Paris, I don’t see my life in France. I will either start my studies again in Israel or in another country. I may study for a special degree in Israel to become a paramedic, and then continue to medical school.

If you have experienced antisemitism in your country, how was it expressed?

Yes, I have experienced it. I don’t always wear a Star of David on my necklace when I am outside, but when I am with my father or brother or friends during Shabbat and they wear a kippah, people yell ‘Jew go home’, and ‘You’re not home here’. People don’t understand the fact that France has seen a lot of different things, and they are very closed about religion. The moment someone shows a sign of his religion they become close-minded. I’m not taking the risk. Moreover, because I am a woman, if I show that I am Jewish I will be taking a greater risk.

What do you feel is the most productive way to fight hate?

I think people need to open their minds. In France, especially, they are not aware of what is happening in other countries. They don’t realize how bad it is in France. A good way to fight hatred is by reading the newspaper. Newspapers are very important. This is one of the reasons why people don’t know what is happening in Israel. Newspapers want to show what people want to hear and not tell the truth, so if they can blame someone they will do so, and this is what interests people. Newspapers offer what people want to hear, and not the truth.  

What message would you like to relay to young Jews throughout the world who are worried about antisemitism?

Travel a bit and see the situation of the Jews in different countries and not only in your own country or ask people who live in other countries. Make sure that you are not going to be fooled by fake news or by people that don’t know what they are talking about. Don’t rely on others for information – even your parents.

What message do you have for those marching in the “March of the Living”?

First, I wish them ‘good luck’. While I myself didn’t participate, I did travel in Poland with my school. During the march, they should think about the fact that during the Holocaust, people died during this march, and they didn’t have any solution or way out. Today, we have a solution – Israel, and we should think about that. Don’t think about Israel only as a means of survival, but as a way to live. Living in Israel is meaningful, not because you don’t feel comfortable in your own country, but rather because you feel comfortable there – in Israel.