March of the Living is part of the single largest Jewish educational program for teens and adults in the world. The March of the Living brings together individuals from multiple countries and regions around the world to spend time in Poland surrounding Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day. The trip allows participants to learn about the Jewish community that once thrived in Poland as well as encountering the present-day resurgence of Jewish culture and life in Poland. The time in Israel will allow participants to experience Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, and celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.
The official program begins on Monday, April 13th in Krakow, Poland. The Poland portion of the program will end in Warsaw, Poland on Sunday early evening, April 19th. Participants can elect to return back to the USA or other destinations at this time or continue with the group to Israel, with an expected arrival in Israel early morning of April 20th. The Israel portion of the program will conclude on Thursday late afternoon April 23rd. Each participant is responsible for their own flight arrangements to Poland – arrival to Krakow and return from Warsaw. If you elect to travel to Israel, the return from Israel and the flight to Poland is the responsibility of each individual. The flight from Warsaw to Tel Aviv is included in the price of the full program.
The March of the Living journey to Poland and Israel allows participants to encounter the richness and anguish of our past, the vitality of the present, and the hope for our future. Visiting the sites in Poland, while filled with emotion, is also both positive and uplifting, because you will share moments of both sadness and joy with people from all over the world. The Israel portion of the trip is powerful and inspiring. Participants come away creating long-lasting bonds and experiencing a life-changing event.
Security and safety are a high priority throughout the March. MOTL delegations travel with at least one-armed security guard per bus, and all site visits are checked and cleared by security in the mornings and before groups arrive. March of the Living International works with the highest levels of law enforcement and government in Poland and Israel.
The program is set up to accommodate the religious needs of all its participants. Buses do not operate on Shabbat and all food in Poland and Israel is certified kosher.
There is a fair amount of walking on most days. It is important to wear the correct shoes for being on your feet for several hours per day. There are opportunities at any given location to sit and rest.
Passports can be renewed or applied for at your local post office. A copy of the picture page of the renewed passport must be submitted when you apply. Applicants also must have a valid passport with an expiration date on or after Nov. 1, 2026.
The International March of the Living does not provide this type of insurance; however, it is highly recommended that you purchase a travel insurance policy that includes both medical and emergency evacuation coverage. A list of travel insurance companies that previous participants have utilized will be shared with all registered participants. Please note if you want to purchase Cancel for Any Reason Insurance, you must do so within 21 days of first payment for any aspect of the program. The International March of the Living does not provide health insurance. All participants must have health insurance in place to cover both emergency and/or routine medical services overseas. If your health insurance does not cover routine and emergency medical services that happen abroad, you must purchase a short-term supplemental travel health insurance policy that covers the duration of the trip.
MOTL is not a tax-deductible item because the trip engages in an exchange of goods and services.
US Citizens do not require a visa to enter either Poland or Israel, however, the State of Israel is requiring an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Israel. Relevant details will be shared prior to departure. If you are a citizen of another country other than the USA, please check with both the Polish and Israeli Consulates to see if a visa is required for entrance.
The cost of the program will include all hotels (4 and 5 Star), museum and site entrance fees, guides, ground transportation, and the majority of meals. The price will not include flights except for the flight from Warsaw to Tel Aviv for full-program participants. Please note each delegation’s forms and procedures are specific. An outline of the cancellation policy will be included with the application. Applications are now open on our website.
The itinerary varies, but typically includes in Poland – Krakow, Auschwitz and Birkenau, Warsaw, and Majadanek. The time in Israel, commemorates Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and celebrates Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), and places of historical and contemporary significance.
For specific questions about the 2026 MOTL, contact us!