Full Breakdown
March of the Living: A Global Call Against Antisemitism
4/13/2026, 11:16:23 PM
Overview of the Event
Delegations from around the world gathered in Poland for the annual March of the Living, coinciding with Holocaust Remembrance Day. Approximately 7,000 participants are expected to join fifty Holocaust survivors in a march from Auschwitz to Birkenau on Tuesday. This event aims to raise awareness about the increasing antisemitism globally and to encourage leaders to protect Jewish communities.
Voices of Survivors
Holocaust survivors are central to the March, sharing their experiences and emphasizing the importance of remembrance. One-hundred-year-old Dorit Carmeli, who survived the Holocaust thanks to the efforts of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, expressed her commitment to the cause, stating, “I’d walk here if I had to.” Similarly, 94-year-old Naftali Fürst, who has participated in the March for two decades, highlighted the necessity of passing knowledge about the Holocaust to future generations, saying, “I see how important it is to tell the next generation about those who were murdered.”
Hannah Yakin, another survivor, recounted her father's efforts to save Jewish lives by providing fake documents, known as ‘Aryan Papers.’ This act of bravery allowed many, including the grandfather of Maariv reporter Josh Aronson, to escape Nazi persecution. Aronson shared this personal connection during the event, illustrating the profound impact of these stories.
Symbolic Acts and Global Participation
The March will feature significant symbolic acts, including the lighting of ceremonial torches. Eva Wietzen, a survivor of the Sydney Bondi Beach massacre, and Yoni Finley, who survived a shooting at a synagogue, will light a torch alongside a delegation of 130 law enforcement officers from various countries. This act symbolizes a collective commitment to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish communities from violence and hate.
Significance of the March
Phyllis Greenberg Heideman, President of the International March of the Living, emphasized the heightened significance of this year's event. She stated, “Israel stands firm against those seeking its destruction, while waves of antisemitism intensify worldwide.” This sentiment underscores the March's role as a platform for raising awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish communities globally.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The March of the Living serves not only as a remembrance of the Holocaust but also as a call to action against contemporary antisemitism. The participation of survivors and international delegations highlights the urgency of addressing hate and violence directed at Jewish communities. As the event unfolds, it aims to inspire collective action and reinforce the commitment to safeguarding the rights and lives of Jews worldwide.
