Learners in limbo as March of the Living postponed

TALI FEINBERG

The announcement has disappointed many South African learners who were booked to go on the march.

“They have no idea if it’s a postponement or a cancellation because logistically, they don’t know how to plan for later in the year,” said Lana Levin in Johannesburg, whose daughter was one of those going on the march. “A lot depends on the American and European delegates. South Africa is the smallest delegation. So we wait and see. Cost wise, we have no idea where we stand, but those who already have their Schengen visas won’t be refunded.”

Adam Levin, whose daughter was to be a participant, says whether the event will be postponed will depend on a lot of variables such as the availability of accommodation, whether local services refund March of the Living organisers, the amount already paid for, whether there is agreement to apply those amounts to a date later in the year, and the availability of suitable dates, as school kids in different countries write exams at different times of the year.

March of the Living World Chairperson Dr Shmuel Rosenman said, “After consulting with the relevant health bodies and officials, it’s with a heavy heart that we are forced to announce the postponement of this year’s March of the Living in Poland. Our primary concern is the health of the many participants and the Holocaust survivors who would be joining them. Given that this is an international event involving 110 delegations from around the world, we have a responsibility to take precautionary measures in accordance with the guidelines given by authorities in various countries.”

The organisation’s South Africa co-ordinator, Rene Pozniak, said that the decision had been deliberated for weeks at the organisation’s New York headquarters. “It’s definitely the most difficult challenge March of the Living has ever had. We marched during the intifada (Palestinian uprising), in snowstorms, and when a volcanic eruption halted travel in Europe. This is the first time it has been cancelled since its inception in 1988.”

She said there was no adult contingent this year, but 43 Grade 11 learners were to participate from Cape Town and Johannesburg. “We understand that people are devastated. The most important factor at play is the safety of the kids.” Air tickets aren’t being refunded by the airlines, but participants will be given vouchers for tickets valid for a year.

If the event is postponed, it won’t have the same dynamic as having it over Yom HaShoah, Yom Hazikaron, and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Pozniak says. At the same time, going later in the year is better than not going at all.

“I’m in awe of the professional manner in which the organisation has dealt with this. We acknowledge everyone’s disappointment, and guarantee that these participants will have a place on the next one. We also appreciate the support and understanding of the parents. We’ll keep everyone updated,” said Pozniak.

March of the Living is the largest annual international Holocaust education programme. Each year, more than 10 000 Jewish and non-Jewish youth from 40 countries participate in the march.

Against the backdrop of the postponement, the organisation will launch a campaign encouraging youth across the world to combat anti-Semitism and racism.