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JDC Delegation of European and Asian Students at the March of the Living
JDC’s 2005 delegation to the March of the Living included 21 university students from 10 European and Asian countries. The students, recognized Jewish activists and leaders range in age from 20-25 and represented Jewish communities in Bulgaria, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, Romania and India. JDC has sent international delegations every two years to March of the Living, almost since its inception. JDC sees this as an opportunity to enrich the knowledge and experience of young leaders in communities where JDC is active. "This delegation is especially significant because it represents the true essence of the March," said Abby, JDC's Director of Jewish Education, Global Programs. "These are the grandchildren and great grandchildren of people who died in camps, such as Auschwitz, or lived through the horrors of places like Birkenau. Our students are a living testament to the resilience of the Jewish people and the vibrancy of Jewish communities that were slated for annihilation by the Nazi regime." In Israel, during Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day), the Mayor of Arad gave the JDC group the honor of placing the first wreath on the flagpole at the community ceremony. Genya, Hillel leader from Kazan, Russia couldn’t help but hold back her tears "Our people have gone through so much, have fought for so much, now we have Israel and we can enjoy. We must take this feeling back to our communities, we can enjoy with them and show them what a wonderful time it is to be Jewish!" During one of the last group discussions, Nurith, a participant from the Jewish community of Mumbai, shared her feelings about why she came on this trip and how deeply it impacted her Jewish identity. "Before I came on this trip, I knew I was part of a minority, just as any other minority in India. Now I see that I am part of a special people, a people bigger than the Jewish community of just Mumbai or just India. I am a part of the larger Jewish community — the Jewish community throughout the world — and this feeling is very special to me." "Our goal is to provide a historical lens for the March that encompasses the past, present and future of the Jewish people in Europe and Israel," Pitkowsky said. "By providing this context, we believe that these students will gain a true appreciation for the vital role they play in shaping a pluralistic and thriving global Jewish community. They are at the forefront of Jewish revival in Europe and Asia, and this experience will help them conceptualize exactly what that means."
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