The 2nd day of our journey started with a tour of Krakow, a beautiful and very important Jewish center before the war.
From there we drove to Birkenau (Auschwitz 2). We marched silently for 15 minutes from the old train station, down the tracks, and up to the gates of the “Planet” of death. We were led by Yitzchak, a surviving eyewitness, a Sefer Torah and several Israeli flags. Walking into Auschwitz with confidence, with Jewish pride and lots of faith was super powerful for all of us. It was definitely an unforgettable moment.
After a 3 hour tour of the camp in the freezing weather, we joined an IDF officer mission ceremony at the gates of the camp. Just imagine a crowd of about 150 Jewish students from around the world watching the same number of Jewish Israeli IDF officers for HATIKVAH at the gates of Auschwitz….
Hope we get a chance to update before Shabbat again.
Avi
MJHS Pioneers' Blog 
February 27, 2009 at 4:53 pm |
What a wonderful and meaningful experience that must have been. It was moving to simply read about it….I cannot begin to imagine what it must have been like to be there. Between text messages and this blog, it is so amazing to have almost instantaneous reports on your trip. I cannot wait to see the pictures and hear first hand accounts from the students. Shabbat shalom to all.
February 27, 2009 at 7:21 pm |
Thank you so much for the wonderful updates of this incredible trip. I cannot wait to hear all the stories of your experiences. Wishing you all a Good Shabbos and very safe travels.
February 28, 2009 at 10:26 pm |
Update 1 from Memphis.
All here are excited to hear how your trip is going. Seems to be a fantastic experience for all. Looking forward to the next blog in just a few hours…we hope.
Memphis?
– 1.5 inches of snow and more expected for the next 10-14 hours.
– Tigers 58, Southern MS 42. Offense still inconsistent, defense awesome.
– Lots of your friends with strep throat and/or the flu. Good time to be away.