Recruitment Underway for 2017 March of the Living Teen Heritage Trip
BOSTON, MASS. (Issued FALL 2016) — Ninety-five percent of participants in past March of the Living (MOTL) ‘heritage’ educational trips – which annually bring thousands of Jewish teens from around the world to Poland and Israel — say their participation strengthened their Jewish identity and their bond with Israel.
The findings were part of a study of 250 past MOTL participants by William Heimreich, Ph.D., Sociology Professor at CUNY.
“That’s why so many of us believe in and support March of the Living,” says Irv Kempner of Sharon, Mass. a retired business executive who is MOTL Chairman and son of Holocaust survivors. “This intensive 12-day experience inspires participants to lead the Jewish community into the future vowing ‘Never again,’ and to fight anti-Semitism and all forms of prejudice. This heritage experience insures a lifetime of Jewish community engagement.” Kempner tells prospective supporters, “Enabling Massachusetts teens to participate in MOTL is a proven investment in our future.”
The 2017 MOTL teen trip April 19 – May 3 coincides with Holocaust Remembrance Day — with visits to Nazi concentration camps and former shtetls in Poland, followed the next week in Israel where they mark Israel Memorial Day and Israel Independence Day– with trips to ancient Jerusalem, modern Tel Aviv and more. Organizers say this is a rare opportunity for 17 and 18 year-olds to study the history of the Holocaust, to examine the roots of prejudice, intolerance and hate. Kempner and Massachusetts Group Leader Aaron Kischel plan to recruit at least 20 teens for 2017 and to raise significant scholarship funds. (Visit https://motl-wordpress.wmkwso.easypanel.host/)
The CUNY survey that examined ‘Long Term Impact of MOTL on Participants’ found:
- 90% of respondents said MOTL made it more likely they would financially support Jewish causes.
- 90% said they’re more aware of the need to become more involved when confronted with anti-Semitism.
- 95% said MOTL had strengthened their Jewish identity.
- 50% of past participants have visited Israel again since their MOTL trip.
- 50% said they would consider moving to Israel, in part influenced by their MOTL experience.
Aaron Kischel, who has been involved in Jewish youth activities and education for five decades, said, “I have not seen a program better designed to solidify teen attachment to their history and heritage. Through MOTL, teens gain a deeper understanding of the need to ensure a strong Israel, to see what Israel has created from the desert out of the ashes of the Holocaust. This firsthand experience counters anti-Israel and anti-Semitic messages on so many fronts. It has an emotional effect that lasts a lifetime and builds leaders for the next generation.” Kischel accompanied 60 Florida teens as a leader of the 2014 Southern Region MOTL trip.
A past participant, Rhode Island native Jake Dinerman, reflected on his MOTL experience: “Participants come back with changed perspectives, understandings, and appreciations of life. Walking through the death camps together, then experiencing Israel is unforgettable and powerful beyond imagination.”
Kempner said, “Given the overwhelmingly positive survey results, we can say the March is successful on many levels: ensuring and enhancing Jewish identity; motivating teens to be engaged, knowledgeable, active members of their community; and even changing their outlook and life. I’m sure prospective parents and funders who see survey results will agree that MOTL is a life-changer.”
He added, “This past year the world mourned the passing of Elie Wiesel and Shimon Peres, both participants in the International March of the Living. Wiesel spoke at the 1990 March ceremony in Birkenau. Peres participated in 2006 and 2013. May we remember their legacy to the Jewish people and to the world – never forgetting your fellow man — and working towards peaceful coexistence.”
“Since 1988, over 250,000 Jewish teens have participated in the unique journey,” says Kempner. “Our goal is to have Massachusetts well represented in 2017.”
See an executive summary of the survey.
For information about MOTL 2017 applications and scholarships, contact Aaron Kischel at [email protected], (781) 799-4765. To make a donation to provide teen scholarships, contact Irv Kempner: [email protected] / (617) 285-8620. Donations of $1,000 will be matched dollar for dollar by the Kempner Foundation. Donations may be made here.