As we observed Yom HaShoah this week, Holocaust Remembrance Day, heart of NJ teen, Liyah R, embarked on March of the Living, an annual educational program in which thousands of high school students from around the world travel to Poland and Israel, including a march from Auschwitz to Birkenau, to explore the history of the Holocaust and the roots of prejudice, intolerance and hatred.

As seen in this photo, Liyah chose to wear her father’s IDF Infantry pin during the experience, as a powerful testiment to the promise of “Never Again.”

A teen grant from Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ helped to make the trip possible for Liyah, who has been an active participant and leader in Jewish Federation's youth and teen social action and community service programs. Most recently Liyah personally advocated in front of NJ lawmakers in Trenton for a Holocaust education bill that Governor Murphy sighned into law this week.   

We look forward to hearing all about Liyah's March of the Living experience upon her return. Stay tuned for Liyah's impressions in an upcoming post.