The Urgency of Memory: Ensuring Teens Walk with Survivors
Posted on 08/29/2025 @ 06:00 AM
There is nothing more powerful than looking into the eyes of a Survivor and hearing, “I was there.”
Soon, that moment will no longer be possible.
Our teens are the last generation who can hear history from the people who lived it. That opportunity is precious, and it is disappearing.
Earlier this year, Future of Jewish reflected on the urgency of Holocaust education.
With fewer than 200,000 Survivors remaining worldwide and many unable to travel, the article reminds us that we are now responsible for ensuring the next generation understands not only what was lost, but what continues to endure.
That is the mission of CAJE’s Leo Martin March of the Living.
Each spring, the March takes Jewish high school students from Miami-Dade on a journey through Poland to explore the history of Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust.
Teens stand in the very places where our people suffered and resisted, guided by expert educators and accompanied by Survivors whose presence gives memory meaning.
We have always prioritized bringing Survivors on this journey.
In 2024-2025, CAJE launched a campaign to raise the funds needed to ensure that two Survivors could travel in dignity. Thanks to YOU, our community, last year we reached that goal.
This year, we are committed once again to bringing Survivors, with a fundraising goal of $36,000 to make that possible.
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We also hope to return to Israel this year, allowing participants to continue the journey by commemorating Yom HaZikaron/ Israel’s Memorial Day and celebrating Yom HaAtzma’ut/ Israel’s Independence Day — marking the strength, continuity, and resilience of the Jewish people.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Miami March of the Living, which will take place April 12th– 24th .
The March is open to Jewish high school seniors (limited space available to 11th graders) who live in or attend school in Miami-Dade County.
We invite you to:
- Encourage a high school senior to apply at MiamiMOTL.org
- Share this opportunity with families, educators, and friends
- Support our mission - help us reach our $36,000 goal to bring Survivors to Poland (CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION)
If you are interested in staffing the teen program and have experience working with teens — whether as an educator, counselor, clergy member or with a skill to contribute such as photography or mental health/ wellness — please email us your interest at miamimotl@caje-miami.org.
We are always looking to build a strong and thoughtful team.
The voices of our Survivors are fading. Together, we can make sure they are heard by the next generation — while we still can.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Miami March of the Living! APPLY HERE
Join a meaningful educational journey to Poland and Israel that explores Jewish history, memory, and identity.
Tentative dates:
April 12–24, 2026.
Jewish High School seniors graduating in 2026 who live in or attend school in Miami-Dade County are welcome to apply at MiamiMOTL.org
Do not miss this powerful experience with Jewish teens from across Miami.
For more information about the 2026 Miami March of the Living, please contact: miamimotl@caje-miami.org
