Taglit-Birthright Israel: International March of the Living
Pre-trip Information

This trip is a gift of Taglit-Birthright Israel

1. Please complete the following forms:
        - Medical form -- please send 2 copies
        - Doctor Waiver form
        - Birthright Waiver form
   
   
2. Please send a check for the amount of $250 (this will be refunded to you at the end of the trip). Please make the check to "International March of the Living" and send to:

   International March of the Living
   2 West 45 Street
   Suite 1500
   New York, NY 10036

3. Photocopy of your passport -- please send 2 copies
   
   
4. Photocopy of your insurance card
   
   
5. Packing list
   Please refer to the following as a general guideline, a more specific list will be provided upon acceptance to the program.
   
   
6. Baggage
   Travel light. Specific requirements will be provided upon your acceptance to the program.
   
   
7. Extending your flight ticket
   Individuals interested in extending their stay in Israel must make arrangements through our office in advance. The charge is $100.
   
   
   
8. Cost of Poland portion of the trip is: TBA - all inclusive (flights, accommodations, meals, etc.). Please DO NOT mail a check for this amount until you are accepted to the program.

Taglit-Birthright Israel is a unique partnership between the people of Israel through their government, local Jewish communities (North American Jewish Federations through the United Jewish Communities, Keren Hayesod, and The Jewish Agency for Israel), and the birthright israel Foundation, generously supported by the following Jewish philanthropic partners: S. Daniel Abraham, The Abramson Family Foundation, Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson, The AVI CHAI Foundation, The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, Edgar M. Bronfman, Circle of Service Foundation, Susie and Michael Gelman, Richard and Rhoda Goldman Foundation, David and Ruth Gottesman, The Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Hadassah - The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Susan and Roger Hertog, Ronald S. Lauder, The Marcus Foundation- Bernie Marcus, Jane and Daniel Och, The Samberg Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, Judy and Michael Steinhardt, The Wasserman Foundation, Leslie and Abigail Wexner and The Wexner Foundation, Karen and Gary Winnick in North America; Marc Rich in Europe.

Vision Statement
The March of the Living in conjunction with IYHA organizes tours which strengthen the Zionist awareness and identity of Jewish youth and imparts knowledge about Judaism and Jewish culture. Diverse aspects of Jewish identity are explored including history, art and religion. Contemporary and historical traditions, customs and sites of different Jewish communities around the world are explored as part of the experience.

A special emphasis is placed on the topic of the Holocaust and Jewish life in Central Europe prior to WWII. Included are visits to concentration camps and centers of Jewish life and culture in Poland prior to the program in Israel. Also explored is the absorption of WWII survivors into Israeli life after the War.

The tours and activities incorporate all of these subjects into experiences with the sights, sounds, smells and sense of touch in contemporary Israel. The result of such relatively short but intense tours are a better understanding of the relationship between Israel and world Jewry and the enrichment of the connection of young Jews with their Jewishness and with the State of Israel; Israel which is now a touchstone of all Jews all around the world for returning visits, receiving higher education in Israeli universities and eventually making Aliyah - the ultimate expression of Jewish unity. In their homes, participants become ambassadors among their siblings and friends.