The Report

Issue 1, Winter 2018 כולנו מחויבים לשמר ולהפיץ את זיכרון השואה, כפי שנאמר: ושננתם לבניך Teach your children

Israeli and Polish Heads of State to Lead March at Auschwitz Inside This Issue

• Seeking justice after atrocity • Holocaust survivor Hank Brodt takes part in 10th MOTL • MOTL to figure prominently at NY’s Celebrate Israel Parade • Honoring at special event • New initiative with George Washington University fights Holocaust denial and ignorance • Warsaw’s Polin Museum blazes new trails with MOTL • Dates worth noting in 2018 Witness Attracts Attention in Budapest and NY after Warsaw MOTL Alumnus Shines a Light LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO Looking Back, Looking Forward ’s mandate is as valid today as it was when our program first began 30 years ago e are pleased to present the world on the March of the you with the inaugural Living, including the presidents Wissue of the Interna- of Israel and . tional March of the Living’s As we look back on three

new publication. It’s designed decades of achievement, we Amanda Brown to spotlight news of interest to want to express our gratitude to alumni, current participants, all our participants. We extend Seeking Justice After Atrocity staff, supporters and others. special thanks to the survivors, n New York on Sept. 12, 2017, the International March of the As one of the founders of who so courageously have ILiving in partnership with Rutgers Law School sponsored the the March of the Living pro- shared their stories of love and 2017 Paul S. Miller Distinguished Lecture titled Seeking Justice gram in 1988, it’s particularly loss, and to their students, who After Atrocity. It featured presentations by Eli M. Rosenbaum, (left), on US Justice Dept.’s efforts against Nazi war criminals, and gratifying for me listened to them Prof. John Q. Barrett, (middle), biographer of the late US Supreme that since the fi rst so faithfully and Court Justice and Nuremberg prosecutor Robert Jackson, and trip, more than committed to a video conversation between Prof. Barrett and Justice Gabriel 260,000 people – being the bearers Bach, deputy prosecutor in the prosecution of . among them, stu- of their diffi cult Also in photo: Prof. John Farmer, Rutgers University. Program de- dents, survivors, memories. veloped by Prof. David Machlis, Adelphi University, with support educators and Of course, of Prof. Farmer, and Ariana Heideman Tipograph. world dignitaries we are keenly and – have taken part painfully aware CALENDAR in this life-chang- that in only a few ing experience. years, most Hol- Dates Worth Noting As a result ocaust survivors A selection of relevant events taking place in 2018 of their March will be unable • January 9 – Warsaw, Poland experience, many Dr. Shmuel Rosenman to participate in Offi cial meeting of the Joint Steering Committee, Government of have become powerful and this arduous two-week jour- Poland and March of The Living for 2018 March • January 11-12 – Auschwitz, Poland eloquent ambassadors for Israel, ney. But the stories they have Bilateral meeting with Auschwitz and Polin Museums, planning the Jewish people and global shared with us over the last 30 2018 cooperation, seminars and ongoing educational projects human rights. years will accompany us, and • January 24 – Brussels, Belgium As we celebrate our 30th will continue to be shared on Participation of March of the Living delegation at EU International Holocaust Commemoration event at European Parliament anniversary this year, we again all future March of the Living • January 25 – Budapest, will welcome thousands of peo- journeys. Inaugural event at Dohani Synagogue to mark the transfer of ple of good faith from around Indeed, we promise, as March of the Living exhibition from Poland to Budapest • January 25 – Strasbourg, France long as there is a March of the Participation of March of the Living delegation at International Report Living, we will never forget Memorial Day event at EU Commission The stories of the survivors and pro- • January 27 - Auschwitz, Poland Participation of March of the Living offi cials at International Holo- Chairman and CEO found lessons each and every DR. SHMUEL ROSENMAN caust Commemoration at Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland one of them has taught us. • January 29 – New York, USA President PHYLLIS GREENBERG HEIDEMAN After the Holocaust, the Ceremony at for the opening of the March of the Living exhibition, hosted by Israel’s UN Ambassador, Danny Danon Editor-in-Chief solemn oath of “Never Again!” AHARON (AHARALE) TAMIR • January 29 and 30 – New York, USA was pledged. It is the mission of 2018 March of the Living preparation and educational meeting Advisory Board ELI RUBENSTEIN the March of the Living to make • January 30 - February 7 – New York, USA ARIANA HEIDEMAN TIPOGRAPH this pledge a reality – never March of the Living exhibition on display in the 1B Corridor of the United Nations General Assembly Building Editor again should such a tragedy ROBERT SARNER • February 4 – Volos, Greece befall the Jewish people, or any March of the Living participation at Greek Orthodox Church and Design/Production AVIV SARNER-AFARGAN other group of innocent people. Jewish community conference • February 12 - Hiroshima, Japan The International March of the Living Please join us on this Righteous Among the Nations conference. Tribute to Japanese Report is published four times a year by sacred effort to create a better diplomat Chiune Sugihara who saved 6,000 Jews in WWII the International March of the Living. We world for the Jewish people and, • March 11 – Bitola, Macedonia welcome letters/comments from readers. indeed, for all members of the March of the Living march/ceremony, in cooperation with Jewish Please send them to [email protected] or community and Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry, commemorating International March of the Living, 2 West human family. deportation and mass murder at Treblinka of Macedonia’s Jews 45th Street, Suite 1500, New York, New Dr. Shmuel Rosenman • March 18 – Thessaloniki, Greece York 10036 USA. Tel: 212-869-6800 Chairman/CEO, International March of the Living participation in march and ceremony com- memorating deportation and murder of city’s Jews at Auschwitz www.motl.org March of the Living

2 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT The March’s Meaningful Legacy for the World Our alumni become witnesses of the witnesses n 1988, some 1,500 individ- the world. Aware that we hold uals from North America in our hands one of the greatest Iand Israel took part in the tools to ensure the future – fi rst March of the Living. In education – we are committed 2018, more than 10,000 people to relay to the next generation from 150 diverse communities the importance of collective Honoring around the globe will partici- memory and communal legacy. pate in the 30th March of the This is our path to continuity. Holocaust Living. Since its inception, this Our skilled educators and Survivors experience has provided an in- leadership undertake the daunt- n Oct. 14, 2017, the Next depth education for more than ing task to prepare the next OGeneration Board of 260,000 participants. generation to face the future the US Holocaust Memorial These numbers refl ect the with clear vision, passionate Museum in Washington, DC growth of this annual journey, Phyllis Greenberg Heideman preparation and detailed plan- hosted An Evening to Honor how meaningful it is and its tyranny. Equally constant is ning. As a result of their tireless Holocaust Survivors. It sa- enduring relevance to a new our boundless respect for those and creative educational efforts, luted 11 local survivors who generation. who survived the horrors of the March of the Living alumni have contributed to the life Theodor Herzl famously Holocaust. have a visible and meaningful of the Museum through their said: “If you will it, it is no It is an honor and privilege presence on the landscape of personal testimonies, their dream.” The founders of this to serve as President of the In- the world in which we live. warmth and commitment, and organization had a dream ternational March of the Living May 2018 bring us closer their inspired participation which we’ve transformed into and share my commitment to to the fruition of all our dreams in its educational programs. a vital reality. Through it all, remember the past with an eye as we march into the future. Co-Chairs were MOTL staff we’ve remained steadfast in our toward the future with our ded- Phyllis Greenberg Heideman member Ariana Heideman dedication to the memory of icated Board of Directors and President, International Tipograph and MOTL Alum those who perished under Nazi devoted leadership from around March of the Living Joseph Tipograph.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Behind and Beyond the Creation of our New Newsletter Why this publication is an important step forward for our organization in sharing our stories

haring relevant stories thing about this activities, goals Like any new publication, and information is gap by creating and future plans. The International March of The Scritical to any success- a newsletter. The At the same time, Living Report will evolve from ful organization or company. result is now it will highlight issue to issue. It will benefi t Indeed, it’s part of any healthy before you with many noteworthy from your input. That’s why relationship even between two the fi rst issue developments in I encourage you to send us people. of The Interna- the world of Hol- your feedback, comments and In today’s world, there are tional March ocaust education suggestions. of course multiple ways and of The Living and remembrance As we prepare plans for platforms for such communi- Report. that we feel will the 30th anniversary of the cation. Until now, the Interna- It represents be of interest to March of the Living this spring, tional March of the Living has the work and our many read- along with the celebration of used various tools for this but dedication of a ers. Israel’s 70th birthday, we hope we’ve often felt something was small group of Aharon (Aharale) Tamir The news- you enjoy our newsletter. We’re missing. people who are committed to letter is aimed at our many confi dent it will help contribute We were convinced a telling the ongoing story of the constituents – youth, adults, to the present and future of our publication that brings together, March of the Living and related alumni, supporters and sur- organization and the important in text and images, the people, matters. Published four times a vivors, the treasured men and work to which we’re forever places and programs behind year, it will spotlight our activ- women who have been with us devoted. what we do would be of value ities, programs and other initi- from the very beginning and Aharon (Aharale) Tamir, for our many constituents. Last atives. The content on its pages are a constant source of inspira- Deputy World Chairman, fall, we decided to do some- will refl ect our vision, ideas, tion and wisdom for us. International MOTL

3 Witness Exhibit Gains New Audience in Budapest and NY Major March of the Living exhibition opens in Hungarian capital and is also being presented at the United Nations

here’s good reason Bu- Witness exhibition from Poland 29 in New York, Israel’s UN UN Ambassadors from over 30 dapest was chosen as the to Hungary. Starting in January, Ambassador to the, Danny countries will attend the event, Tfi rst site outside Poland it’s now on view at Budapest’s Danon, is hosting a Holocaust which will include spoken and to host the March of the Living celebrated Great Synagogue on Remembrance Day program musical presentations from past exhibition that until now was Dohany Street which is the larg- and reception for the opening of March participants – survivors located in Warsaw. It’s titled est in Europe and also houses the March of the Living exhibi- and students – along with a spe- Witness: Passing the Torch of the Hungarian Jewish Museum. tion on view for two weeks in cial performance by celebrated Holocaust Memory to the Next Meanwhile, on January the General Assembly Building. Israeli musical artists. Generation. Despite being decimated SURVIVOR SPOTLIGHT in the Holocaust, Hungary’s Jewish community today is the largest in central east Europe, Revisiting a Difficult Time and Place with nearly 100,000 people, Showing great fortitude, Hank Brodt prepares for his 10th March of the Living in the spring most of whom live in Budapest. his spring, Holocaust war crimes trial in Dachau, family that lived in Israel. The March of the Living is survivor Hank Brodt Germany. In 1949, he moved Hank’s brother Simcha had highly active in Hungary where Twill take part in his to the where he died in 1986. In the 1990s, it organizes social programs for 10th March of the Living, started a new life in New York Simcha’s two sons, along with survivors and various events much to the benefi t of every- and worked for many years as their mother, immigrated to that raise awareness about the one who comes into contact an auto mechanic. Israel. Today, both of Hank’s mass murder of six million Jews with him. In 2007, at Birkenau on nephews have families of their by the Nazis and their support- “Initially, I was hesitant Yom Hashoah, Hank lit one own. ers from 1939 to 1945. to go on the March of the of the six memorial torches in The reunifi cation of Hank In a recent initiative, the Living,” says Hank, 92, who memory of the many members with his family in Israel was March of the Living arranged lives in Greensboro, North of his family murdered by like a miracle, for which he for the transfer of its acclaimed Carolina. “But I’m glad I did the Nazis. Shortly thereafter, and all those who love him are because while I was on my he discovered his brother’s grateful. fi rst March in 2006, I realized how important it is for some- one like me to accompany the youth to give them a personal testimony of this very dark and tragic period. During the Holocaust, the Polish-born Hank miraculous- ly survived fi ve concentration camps. He was liberated from the Ebensee camp in Aus- tria on May 6, 1945. A year Hank Brodt, (center), on the March of the Living later, he testifi ed at a Nazi

4 Heads of State to Lead the Way at the March In a rare move, Israeli and Polish presidents to take part together in this year’s March of the Living n April 12, for the bers of all branches of the Is- fi rst time since 2003, rael Defense Forces, Holocaust OPoland’s president will survivors and men and women join his Israeli counterpart at representing diverse segments the main March of the Living of Israeli society. event at Auschwitz. President In recent years, Poland has Andrzej Duda and President been one of Israel’s staunchest Reuven Rivlin will walk allies in the European Union. In together, leading the solemn December, President Duda took Nuremberg Laws and Trials Revisited procession from Auschwitz to part in a Chanukah ceremony ast February in Los Angeles, the International March of the Birkenau in the presence of in Warsaw at which he said LLiving co-sponsored a Holocaust Educational Symposium thousands of marchers from it’s important that Jews feel at on Hitler’s infamous 1935 Nuremberg Laws and the 1945/46 around the world. home in Poland. Nuremberg Trials of 22 major Nazis. The event took place at the The participation of A few days earlier, the Loyola Law School of Los Angeles, in cooperation with the Inter- both leaders refl ects the close country’s recently appoint- national and Comparative Law Review and Loyola Center for the friendship between Jerusalem ed prime minister, Mateusz Study of Law and Genocide. and Warsaw and the importance Morawiecki said in parliament both countries attach to the that non-Jewish Poles who MARCHER PROFILE annual Holocaust commem- saved their “Jewish brothers” oration. Both presidents will during the Holocaust represent address the ceremony. the “essence of what it means Jordana Lebowitz President Rivlin will be to be Polish.” Last January, Canadian March of the Living alumnus highly active with accompanied by a l50-person President Duda made an offi cial varied Holocaust remembrance initiatives delegation consisting of mem- state visit to Israel. oronto resident Jor- dana Lebowitz, 22, is Twise beyond her years, especially when it comes to the Holocaust. That’s due to being the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and taking part in the 2012 March of the Living which inspired her to become an advocate for Holocaust remembrance and human rights. In 2015, Jordana attended ed placements at the Museum the trial of former Nazi offi cer of Tolerance in California, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin Oskar Groening in Germany the Jewish Holocaust Centre where the “bookkeeper of in and the Raoul Auschwitz” was convicted of Wallenberg Centre for Human being complicit in the death of Rights in Montreal, and spo- 300,000 Jews. She accompa- ken about her experiences at nied three Holocaust survivors Holocaust Education Week in (she met on the March of the Toronto. Living) who testifi ed at the Currently a psychology proceedings. She later co- student at the University of wrote a book about her experi- Guelph near Toronto, Jordana ences there with author Kathy has initiated Holocaust-related Kacer titled: To Look a Nazi in exhibits on campus and is now the Eye: A Teen’s Account of a developing a related non-prof- War Criminal Trial. it educational program for Jordana has also complet- students. Polish President Andrzej Duda

5 Lessons That Need to be Learned International March of the Living and George Washington University create new educational program involving one-year fellowships to fight Holocaust ignorance and denial espite the Holocaust’s The fellowship itself will historic, unprecedented consist of an intensive one- Dnature and the extensive year curriculum designed by coverage it’s received over the prestigious Holocaust scholars past 70-plus years, ignorance – and educators. Fellows will willful or otherwise – about it participate in a group retreat in is alarmingly widespread. Ac- Washington, DC as well as on cording to the Anti-Defamation an educational mission to Po- League’s largest-ever survey land which will provide context of attitudes to Jews in 2014 in and a deeper understanding of more than 100 countries, 35 per the subject matter. cent of people claimed to be Through Holocaust and unaware of the Nazi genocide genocide education, students of Jews. No less disturbing, of come to realize that democratic those who said they had heard in collaboration with the law school professors who institutions and values are not of the Holocaust, about a third George Washington University teach at one of the more than automatically sustained but said it’s either a myth or greatly Graduate School of Education 1,800 colleges and universi- need to be appreciated and safe- exaggerated. and Human Development. The ties that currently don’t offer guarded to protect freedom and In response, the Interna- program was developed by Holocaust studies courses. human life. The fellows will tional March of the Living is Prof. David Machlis, Adelphi Fellowships will be awarded to help shed light on better un- launching a new educational in- University. distinguished faculty members derstanding and combating the itiative to address this problem. The first class of fellows is who commit to offering a Holo- forces of bigotry, racism and This year will see the inaugura- being recruited for the 2018- caust/genocide course within a anti-Semitism that, lamentably, tion of the March of the Living 2019 academic year and will year of their completion of the far too many people still harbor Faculty Fellowship Program consist of five university and program. today. Walking Tall in Good Company March of the Living to figure prominently at this year’s festive celebration of Israel in New York hen New Yorkers to accompany the float along bands and a variety of colorful Israel. show their great af- the parade route. floats. The afternoon event The parade will be broad- Wfinity for Israel, they The Parade features more attracts hundreds of thousands cast live on FOX MY9 and don’t believe in half-measures. than 40,000 participants includ- of enthusiastic spectators live-streamed at www.cele- Every year, Manhattan is the ing many American and Israeli who help celebrate the special brateisraelny.org. The March of site of the world’s largest annu- community leaders, dignitaries, friendship and great mutual the Living will share the feed at al public event and celebration entertainers, artists, musicians, respect that have always existed motl.org and on its social media of the Jewish state dating back dancers, celebrities, marching between the United States and channels. to 1964. It features a massive parade along the city’s famous Fifth Avenue. On June 3, New York will host the 54th annual Celebrate Israel Parade which will be particularly festive to mark the 70th anniversary of the estab- lishment of Israel. The Inter- national March of the Living is preparing a float to be part of the event for the first time ever to commemorate Israel’s mile- stone birthday and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the March of the Living. Hundreds of March alumni are expected

6 NEWS FROM THE REGIONS AND PARTNERS Opening Minds, Blazing New Trails March of the Living joins forces with the Polin Museum in Warsaw

New Ways of Engagement Interactive exhibit in NY features frequent MOTL participant t the Museum of Jewish AHeritage in New York, visitors are engaging in “virtual conversations” with Holocaust survivors as part of a new interactive installation. Pinchas Gutter, who’s been ince its opening in 2013 The International March of Museum is a vital part of the on the March of the Living on the 70th anniversary the Living has long encouraged organization’s commitment to many times, is one of the Sof the the participation of thousands Holocaust education for its Jew- principal survivors featured in Uprising, the Polin Museum of of Polish teens from schools ish participants and non-Jewish New Dimensions in Testimony the History of Polish Jews has around the country in the Polish youth. MOTL offi cials that runs until April 29, 2018. been an important educational annual March. This year, at the say that for young people, see- Visitors ask questions partner of the March of the suggestion of the March of the ing the exhibits in the museum and lifelike projections of the Living. It plays a signifi cant Living, the Polin Museum is is a fi rst step in understanding survivors give their answers part in the March of the Living hosting Polish teens in Febru- Holocaust history and contrib- in real time, offering per- visit every spring, adding ary and March for an impactful uting to a better relationship sonal refl ections about life further perspective to the on- preparatory visit ahead of the between Poles and their Jewish before, during and after the the-ground touring of March main event at Auschwitz-Birk- compatriots. Both MOTL and Holocaust. Pinchas Gutter participants in Poland. It also enau on Yom HaShoah. This in- Museum leaders say Polish survived six Nazi concentra- serves a major educational role itiative has deepened relations students will come away with tion camps and now lives in for Polish youth. Located on with the Polish Ministry of Ed- a better appreciation of the Jew- Toronto, . The other the site of the former Warsaw ucation and other organizations ish contribution to Polish life main survivor in the installa- Ghetto, the museum focuses involved in education, culture over such an extended period tion is Eva Schloss, the step- on the large Jewish community and teaching history. and a greater awareness about sister of , who was that lived in Poland for 1,000 March of the Living lead- and sensitivity to the tragic fate a prisoner at Auschwitz and years until the Holocaust. ers believe a tour of the Polin of Jews during the Holocaust. now lives in London, England. The Value of Good Preparation Well-conceived orientation helps sensitize participants ahead of upcoming March he March of the Liv- ish People) in Tel Aviv introduced to three Living for assuring that we, ing, Southern Region, • ‘Characters’ of the of MOTL Southern in the different regions and Tjust completed the fi rst Shoah, ‘Bystanders, Region staff during a countries around the world, preparatory class for this year’s perpetrators, victims, summer seminar spon- receive the high quality on-site March. In total, 110 people – 85 rescuers (righteous), sored by training that can be implement- students, three survivors and upstanders, resisters and the International ed promptly with our students,” 22 staff – attended. The group and liberators.’ Gaining insight March of the Living. Students says Jack Rosenbaum, Director studied a range of subjects through viewing the fi lm considered the meaning of fi nal of the March of the Living including: Pigeon. messages and how they applied Southern Region, USA. “It • Jewish Peoplehood, using • The Last Words of the both to the victims then, and to makes a big impact and will a special video, You Are Part Victims: These Are My Last themselves now. contribute greatly to their of the Story, produced by Beit Words, an activity developed at “We are grateful to the experience on the March this Hatfusot (Museum of the Jew- Yad Vashem in Jerusalem and International March of the coming April.”

7 GALLERY Telling the Story Around the World Snapshots of interesting moments in the life of Holocaust education and rememberance near and far

In Jan. 2018, the World Jewish Congress launched the second annual On Nov. 28, 2017, Dr. Shmuel Rosenman, Chairman/CEO of International #WeRemember initiative which combats Holocaust denial, anti-Semitism and MOTL, (center) and Scott Saunders, Chair of MOTL UK, (left), in London, all forms of hatred. Holocaust survivors are part of the campaign which runs England, with Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of United Hebrew Congrega- through International Holocaust Remembrance Day. tions of the Commonwealth, to celebrate upcoming 30th anniversary of MOTL.

On Sept. 10, 2017, the International March of the Living co-sponsored an On Dec. 10, 2017, Martin Baranek, Holocaust survivor, (center), with Mel event in Sighet, Romania in memory of Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate Mann, Executive Director of Friends of the March of the Living, and Phyllis , in partnership with Limmud FSU. Some 1,500 people marched Greenberg Heideman, President of the International March of the Living, at along the same route down which Holocaust victims were forced during WWII. 13th annual Friends of the March of the Living Golf Tournament in Miami, FL. An Unbreakable Connection The strong, compelling link between the creation of Israel and the March of the Living n 1948, exactly 40 years who became the country’s fi rst glance but often have major Ibefore the March of the Living Prime Minster and Defense consequences. Like events took root, the state of Israel Minister, served for almost 15 decades apart, such as the was born after a long, heroic years as Israel’s main lead- establishment of Israel and the struggle. The two develop- er. He was born in Poland in creation of the March of the ments, although different and Plonsk, an hour’s drive from Living, so rooted in the past, so decades apart, are not unre- Warsaw, one of the MOTL’s vital to the present and future lated. hubs in visits to Poland. of the Jewish people. The reasons for creating Where roads and people Aharon (Aharale) Tamir, the March of The Living – to David Ben Gurion lead and eventually intersect Deputy World Chairman, combat Holocaust denial; raise is not always evident at fi rst International MOTL awareness of the Nazi gen- From Holocaust to Revival – .משואה לתקומה ocide of Jews, and promote tolerance and humanitarian The Holocaust and its PLEASE… AND THANK YOU values – have a direct relati`n- implications and the revival and Donor support helps International March of the Living continue its ship with Israel. creation of the Jewish state vital work teaching Holocaust history to people around the world Since the inception of the are central to the March of while strengthening Jewish identity and connections to Israel. March of the Living in 1988, the Living’s raison d’être. This Please consider making a donation to International March of the Living, Israel has always been an inte- vital connection is evident in a non-profit charity organization. All contributions are deductible to the fullest gral part of the annual journey. everything we do. extent of applicable tax law. (Our Tax ID is #22-326-1085). Indeed, it’s the second half of Israel was created by a To donate to the International March of the Living, each mission and the culmina- remarkable people, with its leg- please go to www.motl.org/donate or call +1.212.869.6800. tion of the March of the Living endary leader, David Ben-Gu- Please. And thank you. experience. Hence its slogan: rion, at the helm. Ben-Gurion,

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