Neshama 34

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• Poland - Monday, February 16

  Shaya:
  
  

  Today was our first day in Poland, after a tiring day of travel and a mix of joy and tears, the class of 2026 has launched into a transformative three month experience! The entire grade gathered in the Ulam for a moving ceremony lead by Mrs. Kolmer, Principal Huseman, Head of School Carrie Siegel, and one of our dear classmates, Nate Lustig. Our sendoff was emotional and saying goodbye to our families was definitely challenging.

   

  As we landed in Poland, I felt the weight of my Judaism heavy on my shoulders, and the responsibility to carry on my family’s values, dedications and stories. We put our ridiculously overweight suitcases on the bus and headed to our first stop at the Okopowa old Jewish cemetery. Bundled in our scarves, gloves and hats, we were ready to learn about influential communal and rabbinic leaders living in Warsaw prior to the war. One story that stood our to me was that of the great sage, Rabbi Peretz who was a community leader and great Jewish scholar and how they believe that over 100,000 people attended his funeral, in recognition of his contributions to our people. We then walked through the are that was the Warsaw Ghetto including the Umshlagplatz – the deportation platform, as well as to hear the inspiring story of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, led by Mordechai Anilewicz at the site where it’s believed that he was killed by the Nazis, after fighting for the dignity of his people. It was very upsetting to be standing in the same place that the Jewish people had thrived generations before. They believed they would venture on to better things when in reality, they were held prisoners and treated worse than animals.

   

  I am ready to embark on this new experience and learn about my families stories while keeping their memories alive. Overall, I learnt so much today, and I am excited to be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity that Golda Och has given us the gift to take part in.