Fall 2024: Reflections on Poland & Back in Israel

In the past week, the group returned from a deeply moving trip to Poland, where they explored the history of the Holocaust and the profound strength of the Jewish people during one of the darkest times in our history. Their experiences in Poland were a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, as well as the resilience and hope that emerged from the most unimaginable circumstances. Upon returning to Israel, the students continued their journey of learning by focusing on the Jewish response to the Holocaust and the ways in which the Jewish community here in Eretz Yisrael (Israel) fought to rebuild and protect its future.  

At the beach we learned about the efforts to sneak Holocaust survivors into pre-state British Mandate of Palestine in defiance of the British authorities who were working to prevent such immigration. This lesson was made interactive as the students participated in a simulation, preparing for the arrival of a ship filled with Jewish immigrants. The activity gave them a deeper sense of the challenges and determination of those who risked everything to bring Jews to safety.  

The group then visited the Underground Prison Museum in Jerusalem, where they heard powerful stories about the Jewish underground defense movements that fought to expel the British from the land. The day concluded with an emotional lecture from a speaker who shared the experience of a woman who immigrated to Israel aboard a ship called the Exodus. The students then reflected on the day's lessons and experiences during their visit to Mevaseret Mall, tying together the themes of resistance, perseverance, and the ongoing importance of remembering history.  

This journey not only strengthened their connection to their Jewish heritage but also highlighted the importance of memory and passing on lessons to future generations. We are confident that this experience will continue to inspire them on their journey forward and encourage them to ask questions and seek answers about their personal meaning in the world today. 

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