Bringing Light from Darkness: The March of the Living 2024
In an unparalleled show of determination and unity, the International March of the Living commemorated the profound losses of the Holocaust and recent tragedies, presenting a strong front against anti-Semitism and terror with two poignant events scheduled for May 2024. Titled “Together We Remember,” this year’s marches are notably the first since the heart-wrenching October 7 incident, underlining Israel’s unshaken strength and the Jewish community’s commitment to never forget their past.
Why It Matters
With the remarkable history of over 300,000 participants since its inception in 1988, the March of the Living serves as a cornerstone of Holocaust remembrance education, symbolizing an unwavering stance against forgetfulness and hate. As Holocaust survivors and victims of recent terror thrive in their perseverance, events like these emphasize not only the importance of remembering history but also showcase Israel’s fortitude in the face of ongoing adversities.
Unified by Memory and Resistance
For its 36th iteration on May 6, 2024, the March will honor Holocaust Survivors across the globe, including those who have also suffered due to the October 7 attacks by Hamas. In addition to the historical march from Auschwitz to Birkenau, a second march in Budapest will specifically commemorate the eight decades since the tragic loss of Hungarian Jewry—emphasizing the global and timeless significance of these remembrances.
Led by Heroes, Remembered by Generations
Eighty Hungarian Holocaust survivors will lead the poignant journey from Dohany Synagogue, by the birthplace of modern Zionism’s founder, Theodore Herzl, ending in a ceremony at the Keleti Train Station—a location marked by the sorrow of past deportations to Auschwitz-Birkenau. This event, echoed by the journeys of over half a million Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust, serves as a somber reminder of the horrors faced and the resilience that followed.
Towards a Future of Remembrance and Strength
Dr. Shmuel Rosenman and Phyllis Greenberg Heideman of the International March of the Living articulate this year’s significance as a reflection on past and present horrors, accentuating Israel’s ongoing battle against anti-Semitic hatred. This stance is symbolized profoundly by the 55 courageous Holocaust survivors who lead the march, including those directly impacted by the recent tragedy of October 7.
Marching Beside Legends
In addition to Holocaust survivors, former hostages and families affected by the October 7 ordeal will join the March of the Living, embodying the endless cycle of bravery and resilience at the core of Israel and the Jewish people. Leaders like Haim Taib express pride in standing along those affected by recent events, vowing resilience and a renaissance of prosperity for the future.
“Together, we emerge stronger from the devastations of our history, carrying forward the narrative of heroism and vigor, shaping an indestructible bond that outlooks hate and fosters a world enamored with peace and remembrance,” proclaims Taib, reflecting a unified vision of hope and strength.
This story was first published on jpost.com.