Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BJE Adult March of the Living Program and who participates in this experience?
BJE March of the Living is part of the single largest Jewish educational program for teens in the world—the International March of the Living. The March brings thousands of Jewish teens from all over the world to Poland for the week surrounding Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) and then to Israel, for a week surrounding Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). BJE is offering a special adult track of the March of the Living program this spring. The journey will be one of a series of events throughout 2012 in celebration of BJE’s 75th anniversary.
What is the program fee and what does it include?
The fee for this unique program, including round-trip travel from Los Angeles, room and board, adult education, and varied social and cultural programs is $7,950. per person. An internationally recognized guide, Shalmi Barmore—founding Education Director of Yad VaShem, will accompany the group in Poland. Program fee based on double occupancy (6 nights in Poland, 5 nights in Israel), with lodging at 5-star hotels in Krakow and Warsaw and at the 5-star Leonardo Jerusalem Plaza Hotel in Israel; coach airfare from Los Angeles, and kosher meals. Cost excludes baggage fees, tips, and taxes. Fee is subject to price increase of up to 10% in case of dollar fluctuation, surge in fuel (and airfare) prices, or other factors.
What are the dates of the trip?
BJE Adult March of the Living 2012 will depart from Los Angeles on Mon., April 16th, 2012 and return from Israel on Sun., April 29th, 2012.
What if I want to alter my travel arrangements?
If you would like to participate in BJE March of the Living but need to modify your travel arrangements, contact Miriam Goldman at (323) 761-8619. Additional fees may apply.
For whom is BJE Adult March of the Living appropriate?
BJE Adult March of the Living is open to adult community members in the greater Los Angeles area. We highly recommend the program to parents of March of the Living alumni. Please note that the adult track does not enable parents of current participants to accompany their teenagers on the program; the adult delegation and the Los Angeles teen delegation have separate itineraries (though there are a few points of intersection)..
Is security a program concern?
Security and safety are a high priority throughout the March.
What religious practices or expectations are there; is the food kosher?
The program is set up to accommodate the religious needs of all its participants. All food in Poland and Israel is certified kosher.
How do I register for BJE Adult March of the Living?
Click here or forms can be requested by contacting Miriam Goldman at (323) 761-8619. Forms must be completed and returned with full payment by December 1, 2011.
Who will accompany the group?
In addition to Shalmi Barmore, who will guide the group in Poland, BJE Executive Director Dr. Gil Graff will accompany the adult delegation.
What is the itinerary for the program?
The itinerary includes a week in Poland visiting Warsaw, Krakow, Auschwitz and Birkenau, Treblinka, Majdanek and Lublin. The week in Israel, commemorating Yom Ha’zikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), includes visits to places of historical and contemporary significance.
Is this a really depressing trip?
We have found that visiting the sites in Poland, while filled with emotion, is also quite uplifting and affecting in very positive ways. The Israel portion of the trip is powerful and inspiring, and participants come away from BJE March of the Living knowing that they have experienced a life-changing event.
If I have additional questions or concerns, whom should I contact?
You can contact Miriam Goldman - (323) 761-8619 or Debra Bronow - (323) 761-8618.