NFTY in Israel alum Marlana Fireman writes about the incredible journey that a rock from Auschwitz took with her as she traveled from Europe to Israel and back to her home in Ohio. Read about the awe she discovered while contemplating the meaning her experiences this past summer, and find out why she says that “in my travels, no matter where I go or what I learn, I will do for those who couldn’t.”
Tag Archives | Auschwitz
The Chaperone’s Tale | Day 5: Continuing the Journey into the Abyss
By Rabbi Marla Feldman
It was a cold, rainy, miserable day in Poland. Somehow, that seemed like the right environment in which to visit Auschwitz. Is there ever a time when it is not a miserable place? I can’t say I was glad to be there, but being a witness is a powerful experience.
The Chaperone’s Tale | Day 4: Journey Into the Abyss
By Rabbi Marla Feldman
As expected, today was a challenging one. It seemed inevitable that clouds and rain dampened our journey throughout the day. The foreboding of the prior day was ever present. Visiting one of the ancient cemeteries we glanced up at the surrounding wall only to find that it was made from headstones. So began the difficult journey.
The Chaperone’s Tale | Day 3: Could that have been us?
By Rabbi Marla Feldman
As we walked along the pathways of our history we were very aware that our past was not our present. We walked along the bridges where young Jews met and romanced 70 years ago, imagined ourselves in that magical time and charming place. But now they are filled with Jewish tourists from the U.S. and Israel who wander these streets amidst the street vendors hawking history. At each step along the way the counselors encourage the teens to imagine themselves here, at each place and time, living their history through the stories of their ancestors.
This is Krakow, Poland
By Beth Sohn, NFTY in Israel 2011 Participant
It is SO different being here. And seeing it. Not in a picture, video, image retold by an eyewitness – no – me. I am in Auschwitz. I look around me and see the endless remains of brick “housing”, chimneys that mark where wooden “houses” once stood, barbed wire-strung fences meant to intimidate and serve a purpose…
