The journey will begin in Poland where the students will have the unforgettable experience of learning firsthand about the history of the Jews in Poland and the destruction of the Jewish community during the Holocaust. Participants will search for traces of a world that no longer exists, they will discover that of the hundreds of Jewish schools, synagogues and institutions that once existed in Warsaw before the war – there remains a sparsely attended synagogue, (used by the Nazis as a stable during the war). Participants will also see a new resurgence of Jewish culture with synagogues, schools, organizations, and youth groups. March of the Living participants will meet and travel with Holocaust survivors who will share memories of their war-time experiences. The entire group will march from Auschwitz to Birkenau.
Participants will then fly to Israel where they will march with the entire group in Jerusalem. As part of the Alexander Muss High School in Israel program they will stay in Israel and continue on with their journey of learning. AMHSI is not your typical “teen tour” or “travel abroad” experience. The core curriculum is conducted in chronological historical order, with on-site learning at the actual places where history took place. Whether hiking where King Saul battled the Philistines or following in the footsteps of Ben Gurion, AMHSI participants learn in a classroom without walls, live 4000 years of history and love Israel in an adventure that is unlike any other. As an accredited institution, students can earn 6 college credits from the University of Miami as well as stay up to date on schoolwork while abroad (including AP exams and standardized testing).
“Through this initiative, participants will be given the unique opportunity to gain an even deeper connection to Israel and their Jewish heritage, and a deeper understanding of the Holocaust. We look forward to reaching new levels of success with this exciting project,” said Gideon Shavit, CEO, AMHSI.
Dr. Leon Weissberg, the Director of Leo Martin MOL continues, "This program gives young people the ability to explore their Jewish heritage through traveling to places that were so rich in Jewish life. By being a part of this innovative program the participants will be forging new directions for Jewish youngsters who follow in their footsteps."
The pilot program will take place April 3 – May 27, 2013 at a cost of $11,455 (including round trip air transportation from either New York or Miami – TBD). The combined package will allow students to participate at a cost considerably less than doing both programs separately. Need-based Financial Assistance may be available from both organizations and local communities. This program is only available for certain areas of North America and has a registration deadline of November 30, 2012.
AMHSI has many other exciting programs including the “flagship” eight week program, a 6 week summer study program and as well as a full semester program. Please visit the AMHSI website at www.amhsi.org for more information on AMHSI’s exciting programs.