INFORMATION OF THE LIVING PACKET SPRING 2017

FROM DARKNESS WE ARE TO LIGHT STILL HERE 1 MARCH OF THE LIVING APRIL 19 - MAY 3 • 2017 Join Jewish teens from all over the world on this trip of a lifetime! Go to on Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) and march from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest concentration camp complex built during World War II. Then travel to Israel to observe Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day).

2017 TRAVEL INFORMATION TABLE OF CONTENTS: Trip Dates: Wednesday, April 19 - Wednesday, May 3 Testimonials...... 3

April 19 Sample Intinerary...... 5 Meet at Cincinnati Airport in the morning Travel Grant Information...... 7 Depart Cincinnati Pre-Trip Programs...... 8 Arrive New York Depart New York in early evening Recommendations...... 9 Packing List...... 10 April 20 Arrive Warsaw, Poland in the morning FAQ’s...... 11

April 25 Application Check-list...... 12

Depart Warsaw in the evening Trip Guidelines...... 12 April 26 Arrive Tel Aviv, Israel in the morning *This trip is organized by the Mayerson JCC, in partnership May 2 Depart Tel Aviv in the late evening with the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education. Travel grants are generously funded by The Jewish May 3 Foundation of Cincinnati and administered by the Jewish Arrive New York in the early morning Federation. Cincy Journey grants are not need based and Arrive Cincinnati in the evening are offered to Cincinnati Jewish high school seniors who have not already used their high school Israel travel grant. Travel schedule is subject to change.

FROM POLAND FROM DARKNESS Open to Cincinnati high TO ISRAEL school seniors with at least TO LIGHT one Jewish parent.

This trip is an excused an all expense absence for most high MAYERSONJCC.ORG paid trip.* schools in Cincinnati. 2 #NEVERFORGET Testimonials

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS: “When I first walked into Birkenau this morning, I felt a distinct lack of humanity as I stared in disgust at barracks and gas chambers. However, at the end of our time in Auschwitz-Birkenau, Peppi told us a quote from a Shoah survivor Viktor Frankl who spoke that the one thing that couldn’t be taken was their humanity and in that moment, with our arms around each other, saying Kaddish and singing Hatikva, I felt the humanity. We are here, we are witnesses, and we will never forget.” Clara Babcock, MOTL 2016

“This experience has given me an entirely new perspective on life, death, human resilience, and miracles. I plan to apply the lessons I have learned on this journey to my life, and I am very grateful for them. I currently find myself at a loss of words to express how much the March has meant to me, and I think that says something in itself for the impact it has had on every participant. I am also now realizing how long I’ve been droning on for, so I’ll try to wrap this up. The March of the Living has changed my life in the best and most meaningful ways possible, and I recommend it to everybody. Am Yisrael Chai.” Avi Dave, MOTL 2016

“This March of the Living trip is the biggest gift Cincinnati and the JCC could have ever offered me. My experience in Poland and in Israel has shaped me into a proud, better educated Jew. The concentration camps are hard, and sometimes you feel like you aren’t going to make it but then all of a sudden people who were basically strangers to you are now offering support and love because we all share this indescribable connection as a people. When I arrived in Israel I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. Now that we had suffered through the harsh world of the past we are greeted with the victory of where we are today which is a thriving Jewish State. I will hold on to the memories I created on this trip very dear to my heart.“ -Drue Larkin, MOTL 2015

“March of the Living was the most unforgettable experience of my life. As I walked through the ruins of me ancestors in Auschwitz with 10,000 Jews from around the world, I could finally comprehend the undying spirit of the Jewish people. The friends and memories I made on this trip will forever be engrained in my mind and I am more than proud to call myself Jewish.” -Will Cohen, MOTL 2015

3 Testimonials

“March of the Living. An experience that one may not be able to fathom. An experience one cannot put into one word, sentence, paragraph, or essay. An experience that took self-evaluation, self-praise, self-deprecation, and empathy. An experience that none of us would change for anything else in the world. This trip was only the beginning of my personal journey. I will be experiencing vast changes within the next years. It’s a new time in my life. A new time in my life where my morals, ethics, religion, etc. will be questioned by those who surround me. This is the time in my life to stay true to my identity and to begin to define who I want to be. I feel much more prepared for what is ahead because of the experience I had on this trip. Thank you to those who survived and made this trip have purpose. We cherish those whose lives were taken in this tragedy. We are here for you, we are here because of you. Thank you.” -Herbert Meisner, MOTL 2015

PARENT TESTIMONIALS: “Our daughter Jess grew up so much on this trip. It gave her a chance to assert her independence from us, while still providing a safe, structured environment for her to work from. It has really made a difference in her life, now that she is “off to college,” and on her own for the most part. Thanks again for everything that you did for her!!” - Steve and Julie Whayne, Parents of MOTL 2014 Participant

“1. Best thing we could do to help our child prepare for college life away from home 2. Most impactful Jewish experience she has ever had, more than her bat mitzvah 3. I wish I was a high school senior!!!” - Jerald Rosenston, Parent of MOTL 2014 Participant

“I am so envious of the trip my daughter took this year! She has seen places and history that I have yet to see and now I hope to follow in her footsteps! She made a dozen new friends and shared some profound experiences with them. Since her experience with MOTL, our daughter has become more excited about her Jewish identity and has made it a point to seek out other Jewish friends as she starts college. She can’t wait to go back to Israel and experience more of the country.” - Marcie Rosenston, Parent of MOTL 2014 Participant

4 Sample Itinerary

While in Poland, we will tour a variety of communities The week in Israel is spent exploring the history of the and places that were major parts of Jewish life before Jewish people and learning about the diverse culture of the Holocaust. In Tykocin, Lublin, and Krakow we will see the country. We will spend time in northern cities such synagogues and other landmarks that were fully populated as Haifa and Tzfat and experience the south by learning before the war and learn about the thriving Jewish life that about Bedouin culture, ascending Masada for sunrise existed there. We will visit places that were major early and floating in the Dead Sea. We will travel around the parts of the genocide, such as the , which center of the country to both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, two was used as a round up area to deport the Jews of Warsaw, major cities with very different environments. The group and the Podgorze Ghetto in Krakow. We will visit some will have the opportunity to spend time in traditional of the major concentration camps, Treblinka, Majdanek, “shuks” (markets) in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, giving Auschwitz, and Birkenau, and learn about the atrocities them authentic shopping experiences. We will visit the that happened there. On Holocasut Rememberance Day, Western Wall and learn about the immense history of we will march in solidarity from Auschwitz to Birkenau with the surrounding areas in Jerusalem. We will spend Yom over 10,000 other Jewish people. Throughout the entire HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) in our sister city, Netanya, experience, participants will have the chance to speak where teens will spend the day and night with an Israeli with survivors and Holocaust educators, allowing them to host family. They will get to celebrate this special holiday explore their curiosities and emotions. just as Israelis do.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19 MONDAY, APRIL 24 Arrive at Cincinnati Airport early morning MARCH OF THE LIVING EVENT Depart Cincinnati early morning Depart for Lublin Arrive New York afternoon Overnight: Lublin Depart New York evening Overnight: Travel TUESDAY, APRIL 25 Lublin/Majdanik THURSDAY, APRIL 20 Depart for Warsaw Airport Arrive Warsaw early morning Overnight: Travel Tour Treblinka/Tykochin Tour Warsaw WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26 Overnight: Warsaw Welcome to Israel Breakfast at Airport FRIDAY, APRIL 21 Welcome to Israel ceremony Visit Lodz Tour of Haifa Visit Kielce Rosh Hanikra Arrive Krakow before Shabbat Lunch Overnight: Warsaw Disco-boat Check in hotel SATURDAY, APRIL 22 Dinner Shabbat in Krakow Overnight: Sha’ar Ha’Golan Tour Krakow Overnight: Krakow Intinerary continued on the next page

SUNDAY, APRIL 23 Tour Auschwitz/Birkenau Overnight: Krakow

5 Sample Itinerary

THURSDAY, APRIL 27 SUNDAY, APRIL 30 Tzfat Yad Vashem Drive south Drive to Tel Aviv Ein Bokek – The Dead Sea Lunch at Shuk HaCarmel Kfar Hanokdim Independence Hall Camel ride Beach time Bedouin dinner Check in hotel Bonfire Dinner Overnight: Kfar Hanokdim Yom Hazikaron in Rabin Square Overnight: Mishkenot Ruth – Daniel FRIDAY, APRIL 28 Climb Masade at sunrise MONDAY, MAY 1 Breakfast Yom Hazikaron ceremony with Netanya teens Drive to Jerusalem Overnight: Host families Mount Herzl Machane Yehuda Market – lunch TUESDAY, MAY 2 Walking tour of the old city of Jerusalem, The Jewish March of the Living day in Jerusalem Quarter and the Western Wall March of the Living Mega Event in Latrun Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel Drive to the airport Shabbat dinner Depart Tel Aviv Oneg Shabbat Overnight: Travel Overnight: Jerusalem WEDNESDAY, MAY 3 SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Arrive New York in the early morning Breakfast Depart Cincinnati Morning service & Kiddush Arrive Cincinnati in the evening Lunch Seuda Shlishit Havdala Overnight: Jerusalem

6 Cincy Journeys

Jewish Cincinnati youth are eligible for Cincy Journeys grants generously funded by the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and administered by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.

Overnight Jewish Camping Grants: A first-year and second-year grant from The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati are available to all Cincinnati Jewish youth attending an approved non-profit Jewish overnight camp (For a complete list, please visit CincyJourneys.org/Approved-Camps).

First Year Grants: A first-year grant of up to $1,800 will be awarded to campers who attend an approved camp for 3 weeks or more; or, a first-year grant of up to $900 will be awarded to campers who attend an approved camp for 2 weeks.

Second Year Grants: A second-year grant of up to $1,000 will be awarded to campers who attend an approved camp for 3 weeks or more; or, a second-year grant of up to $500 will be awarded to campers who attend an approved camp for 2 weeks.

Jewish high school students (ages 16 - 18) from Cincinnati are eligible for a one-time grant of up to $6,500 for travel to Israel on an approved peer educational program.

Post-high school students (ages 18-26) can receive an additional grant of up to $5,000. These grants, which are not need based, are generously funded by the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and administered by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. They are available to Cincinnati residents even if they are attending college in another city. For additional information please visit our website at CincyJourneys.org or contact Karyn Zimerman, Cincy Journeys Grants Manager, at 513.985.1534 or [email protected].

7 Pre-Trip Programs

MARCH OF THE LIVING: CINCINNATI DELEGATION 2017 PRE-TRIP PROGRAMS Prior to traveling to Poland and Israel, a significant amount of time is dedicated to learning about the Holocaust (Shoah) and Israel. This preparatory program, sponsored by the Mayerson JCC, Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, and the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education, is meant to strengthen the participants’ experiences by providing them with basic concepts and knowledge. During these pre-trip programs, Cincinnati students have the opportunity to connect with one another on a regular basis. Given that students come from a wide variety of secular schools, congregations, and religious backgrounds, and come to the program with a diverse background about the Shoah and Israel, these sessions become an essential component of the March of the Living.

While we recognize that many students have very busy lives, attendance at all the pre-trip programs is mandatory. Each session will begin and end as scheduled.

SEMINAR ONE: INTRODUCTION; PARENTS AND PARTICIPANTS Thursday, January 26, 7 - 9pm This is your first chance to meet the leaders of the trip, other participants, and their families. There will be a separate program for parents facilitated by The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.

SEMINAR TWO: WHEN, WHERE AND HOW; PARTICIPANTS Thursday, February 2, 7 - 9pm

SEMINAR THREE: THE LONGEST HATRED: EXPLORING ANTISEMITISM; PARTICIPANTS Thursday, March 2, 7 - 9pm

SEMINAR FOUR: DESTRUCTION TO RECONSTRUCTION; PARTICIPANTS Thursday, March 9, 7 - 9pm

SEMINAR FIVE: ISRAEL TODAY; PARTICIPANTS Thursday, April 6, 7 - 9pm

SEMINAR SIX: PRE-TRIP DEPARTURE MEETING; PARENTS AND PARTICIPANTS Thursday, April 13, 7 - 9pm

LOCATION FOR ALL SEMINARS: The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education on the campus of Rockwern Academy 8401 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236

8 FAQ’s

Q: What are the dates of the trip? A: The dates of the 2017 March of the Living trip are April 19 - May 3 Week 1 Poland: April 20 - 25 | Week 2 Israel: April 26 - May 2

Q: Is this an excused absence from my school? A: The March of the Living Trip is an excused absence from most schools in Greater Cincinnati. You can check with your guidance counselor for details.

Q: How many people will be going on the trip? A: It is anticipated that there will be between 20-25 students and two-three adult chaperones.

Q: How do I qualify to get a Cincy Journeys Grant to participate in this trip at no cost? A: The Cincy Journeys grants are available to high school-aged residents of Greater Cincinnati who have at least one Jewish parent. You can access the application online by going to CincyJourneys.org/Israel/Apply. You may also refer to the Travel Grant instructions in this packet.

Q: What happens when I miss AP Exams? A: Students may use the alternate dates for exams. Please see the AP letter in this packet for more details.

Q: How much spending money should I bring? A: The flight, sleeping accommodations, all meals, in-country transportation, basic health insurance, and all program activities are covered by the core program fees. However, we suggest you bring additional spending money to purchase snacks, bottled water in Israel (bottled water is provided in Poland, and tap water is safe in Israel), souvenirs, gifts, hotel internet usage, etc. Most participants bring about $200-$300 and feel it is more than sufficient to cover all such expenses. We do not recommend travelers checks or large sums of cash money.

Q: What about ATM / Credit Cards? A: If your ATM card has a Visa, MasterCard, Star, Cirrus, or Maestro logo imprint, there should not be problem withdrawing money. PLUS cards will not work in Israel. Other ATM network cards may work, but we encourage you to check with your local bank if you have any doubts. Some participants have experienced difficulty withdrawing money from savings accounts. We strongly recommend that ATM cards be linked to checking accounts only to prevent any potential difficulties in Israel or Europe. Major credit cards like VISA and MasterCard are also accepted throughout Israel and Poland. We advise that you contact your bank to inform them you are traveling abroad and using your cards to make purchases. Check with your bank for exact fees charged when using ATM and credit cards in Poland and Israel.

Q: Where can I learn more about the experience for participants? A: Last year’s delegation kept a blog at CincyMOTL.Wordpress.com. Visit the blog to see pictures, read detailed descriptions, and learn about the trip from a participant’s perspective.

9 Recommendations

SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL SPENDING MONEY: $200-$300 The group flight, sleeping accommodations, all meals, in-country transportation, basic health insurance, and all program activities are covered by the core program fees. The only additional money you will need is for items such as snacks, bottled water in Israel (bottled water is provided in Poland, and tap water is safe in Israel), souvenirs, gifts, etc.

ATM / CREDIT CARDS RECOMMENDATIONS: We do not recommend travelers checks or large sums of cash. If you choose to use your personal ATM card or credit card, keep in mind the following: If your ATM card has a Visa, MasterCard, Star, Cirrus, or Maestro logo imprint, there should not be problem withdrawing money. PLUS cards will not work in Israel. Other ATM network cards may work, but we encourage you to check with your local bank if you have any doubts. • Some participants have experienced difficulty withdrawing money from savings accounts. We strongly recommend that ATM cards be linked to checking accounts only to prevent any potential difficulties in Israel or Europe. • Major credit cards like VISA and MasterCard are also accepted throughout Israel and Poland. We advise that you contact your bank to inform them you are traveling abroad and using your cards to make purchases.

Check with your bank for exact fees charged when using ATM and credit cards in foreign countries. LUGGAGE Each participant will be responsible for his or her own luggage at all times, which includes loading it on and off of buses and into hotel rooms. As such we recommend bringing one “manageable” piece of luggage (duffel bags and rolling suitcases work best) and one full-size carryon bag. Be sure to pack at least one change of clothing, toiletries, and all prescription medicine in your carry-on bag in the unlikely event that your checked luggage gets delayed. It is also a smart idea to attach some kind of easy identifier, such as a colored ribbon, to your checked luggage as well as a name label. PACKING In Poland, the temperature in April can range from the 40’s to the 70’s, and it rains frequently. In Israel the weather will be warmer and may range from the 50’s to the 80’s. With this in mind, here are some practical packing tips to consider: • Participants should have a hat, a shirt with sleeves/windbreaker/sweater, sunscreen, and water in their backpacks at all times. • Bring comfortable walking shoes. No flip flops. • Please pack modest clothing to be worn when visiting religious sites and concentration camps. • Because we strive to create a special atmosphere on Shabbat, please bring dressy-casual clothing to be worn at this time. NOTE: All participants will receive a March of the Living hooded rain-slick jacket and a hat.

10 Packing List

Weather can go from cold and rainy Poland to hot and sunny Israel, so be prepared with multiple layers. REMEMBER TO LABEL EVERYTHING!

LUGGAGE: MISCELLANEOUS: ££ 1 suitcase/bag – 50 pound limit, maximum exterior ££ hat dimension: 62in. ££ camera and charger ££ 1 backpack (to carry on the plane, for daily use on bus, ££ phone and charger and for an overnight stay) ££ sunglasses ££ 1 small bag for easy access on day trips ££ sunscreen ££ Labels for all luggage/bags ££ water bottle ££ insect repellent SHOES: ££ 1-2 beach towels ££ 1 pair sturdy walking/hiking/gym shoes (lightweight ££ extra pair of prescription glasses and/or contact lenses recommended) ££ prescription medicine (enough for 3 weeks + a written ££ 1 pair Tevas or other secure water sandals (Closed heel prescription) recommended) ££ adapter for Poland/Israel (220 converter) ££ 1 pair casual for other occasions ££ large plastic bag for clothing that gets wet ££ journal, pens CLOTHING: ££ snacks ££ 8 t-shirts or tank tops (one white shirt for Memorial Day) ££ Cincinnati MOTL gear (sweatshirt, hats, tank, nametag, ££ 6 pairs of shorts pins) and MOTL raincoat ££ 2 pairs of long pants or jeans ££ 15 pairs of underwear HOST/HOSTESS HOSPITALITY GIFTS: ££ 15 pairs of socks ££ Please bring one unbreakable, easy to pack gift for your ££ 1-2 swimsuits host family in Netanya. ££ 1 sweatshirt or lightweight jacket Popular gifts bear the name Cincinnati, such as t-shirts and FOR GIRLS: other items that may have the logos of various Cincinnati ££ 1 outfit for religious sites: dress or skirt/top that covers sports teams, universities, etc. Israelis also love special elbows and knees M&Ms, because they can only get plain M&Ms in Israel. ££ 1-2 outfit(s) for Shabbat/events: skirt/top or dress Your host family will also like pictures of you, your family, ££ 1 White shirt school friends, etc.

FOR BOYS: WHAT WE DO NOT RECOMMEND: ££ 1 white shirt for religious sites Linens and pillows ££ 1-2 pairs long-pants (dressier, i.e., khakis) for religious Expensive jewelry or other valuables such as laptops and sites, Shabbat & events expensive electronics ££ 2 short-sleeved Polo shirts (Shabbat and events) ££ 1 Kipah

TOILETRIES: ££ dop kit/ cosmetic bag ££ extra contact lens solution (very expensive in Israel) ££ shampoo/conditioner ££ brush/comb ££ soap and covered soap dish or liquid soap ££ toothbrush and toothpaste ££ sunscreen ££ shaving equipment ££ feminine hygiene supplies ££ toilet paper (sometimes not available at rest stops) ££ mini packages of Kleenex, chapstick, and anti-bacterial soap or wipes 11 Trip Guidelines

• There is a zero tolerance policy as it relates to drinking alcohol, using recreational drugs or abusing prescription medications while on the March of the Living trip. Anyone caught doing so will be sent home immediately at their own expense.

• Participants are expected to adhere to all rules communicated by the group leaders and the MOTL staff and may not engage in any unwanted physical contact at any time or place.

• Participation in gambling activities and/or entrance to casinos is strictly prohibited.

• A curfew will be enforced.

• Participants are forbidden from leaving the group or hotel without adult supervision unless given explicit permission from a group leader.

• Do not bring expensive jewelry, electronics or other items you are afraid could get lost or stolen.

Application Checklist

PLEASE NOTE: Save copies of your completed application and medical forms. #1: Fully answer all questions on the online forms: ££ Application ££ Medical Form Part 1 #2: Mail or deliver the following items to the Mayerson JCC (address listed below): ££ A JPEG image of yourself emailed to [email protected]. ££ A $400 refundable deposit check made out to Mayerson JCC - March of the Living. Write your name on the bottom of the check. No application will be considered without this deposit. There will be no refund after January 31st. ££ Medical Form Part 2, after being completed and signed by your physician (included in this packet). ££ A photo copy of your passport. #3: If you are eligible for the Cincy Journeys Grant (to receive this all-expenses paid grant you cannot have used a high school Israel travel grant before, you must live in Greater Cincinnati, and at least one parent must be Jewish) please apply for the grant at this time. You can find the link to the grant information at MayersonJCC.org/MOTL.

Mayerson JCC - March of the Living Phil Ganson Attention: Phil Ganson [email protected] 8485 Ridge Road 513.766.3394 Cincinnati, Ohio 45236

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