Montreal’s participation in March of the Living cancelled

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There will be no Montreal contingent on the annual March of the Living trip to Poland and Israel.

The international effort brings approximately 10,000 young Jews from around the world to visit concentration camps in Poland. It includes a massive march at Auschwitz-Birkenau and culminates in Israel to celebrate that country’s independence day.

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However, the war between Israel and Hamas has led nervous parents to pull their children out of the trip. Normally, there are about 150 students from Montreal who participate.

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During its 30-plus-year history, the March of the Living has been cancelled only once because of violence in Israel. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine forced the trip to be cancelled three years in a row before resuming in 2023.

This is the first time Montreal will not send a contingent, which is aimed at students in Secondary 5.

“For parents with kids who are 16 years old, they didn’t feel comfortable, even though we are very stringent on security,” said Stephen Rabinovitch, director of Israel experiences and leadership development for Federation CJA.

The Toronto contingent, which is normally larger than that of Montreal, has drastically reduced numbers, with about a dozen making the trip, which starts on May 1. Rabinovitch said he considered adding a small Montreal contingent to join the one from Toronto on a bus, but couldn’t find enough takers.

“I am disappointed,” he said. “It’s an incredibly important trip. The value it has for Holocaust education is huge, especially now understanding the climate in Israel and supporting the country.”

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There are still numerous countries sending groups, though it is not known how many will be present for the march from Auschwitz to Birkenau.

Rabbi Reuben Poupko usually accompanies the Montreal group and said he’s also disheartened the trip was cancelled.

“It is for many a trip that has a real profound impact,” said Poupko, who has joined the trip as an educator about 15 times. “So, obviously, any time you have to cancel, it’s terribly disappointing.”

Poupko, who has a son living in Israel, has been to the country twice since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 last year. However, he understands why parents would be hesitant to send their children.

“On a personal level, no matter what’s going on, I always feel safe in Israel, but I’m aware that’s not a persuasive position to take,” he said.

Rabinovitch said there still appears to be interest for young people to visit Israel. He’s organizing summer trips there, called Birthright Israel, whereby young people go on a free trip to the country, and all four of the buses are full with Montrealers.

He said there will also be a chance for those who wished to go on the March of the Living to join another trip aimed at CEGEP students next year.

jmagder@postmedia.com

twitter.com/jasonmagder

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