Thousands marched from Auschwitz to Birkenau Wednesday in the annual March of the Living – an event that resonated with deep historical and present-day meaning.
The march, marking 80 years since the liberation of the German Nazi death camps, honored the memory of over one million Jews murdered at Auschwitz-Birkenau, while also highlighting the resilience of the Jewish people in the face of renewed trauma since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel.
Among the 8,000 participants were 80 Holocaust survivors – many visiting for what may be their final time – and 10 former hostages recently freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza.
Relatives of Israeli hostages also took part in the roughly 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) march to Birkenau, the largest Nazi German extermination camp. They were joined by bereaved families, young people and delegations from 40 countries.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, leading Israel’s delegation, was welcomed by Polish President Andrzej Duda at the Auschwitz Memorial site, where both leaders delivered statements ahead of the march.
Distinguished individuals and government officials, including Rabbi Lau, the former Chief Rabbi of Israel, the President of the State of Israel, and the President of the State of Poland, are present.
A ceremony of words of thanks to hashem, and stories of miracles from Holocaust survivors with emotional songs and prayers, the blowing of the shofar, and chapters of Psalms.
Dozens of Chabad temimim arrived especially for the huge event and helped people don Tefillin.
Hundreds of people put on Tefillin and Shabbat candles were distributed to women.
Honoring the event with their presence were the directors and organizers of the event, the Shluchim Rabbi Sholom Ber Stambler – Warsaw, Rabbi Eliezer Gurary – Krakow and Rabbi Rafael Popack – Katowice.
Am Israel chai