For me, the Classrooms Without Borders Poland, Personally seminar was a once in a lifetime opportunity for educators, a comprehensive lesson in what Poland was to the Jewish people for centuries before World War II, what it was during and immediately following the war, what it is today, and what it will be in the future. We grappled with the most difficult subjects we have ever encountered as teachers and academics on the very grounds where the events took place.
Woven throughout the journey were glimpses into the vibrant landscape and culture of Poland. Importantly, there was observance and celebration of Jewish faith and culture, a first introduction for many educators on the trip. For those of Jewish heritage with roots in and around Poland, like me, it was an opportunity to bear witness and to honor the people, Jewish or not, who fought, sacrificed, and took unimaginable risks to help others or to make sure that the world would know what happened. Celebrating the courage and rich heritage of the Jewish people together with our program cohort was an indescribably humbling experience.
Taking off from the Warsaw airport, I begin to reflect on this journey of discovery, remembrance, and inspiration that combined personal growth, reflection, camaraderie and purpose.
The seminar experience strengthened my Jewish identity through bearing witness to this most tragic chapter, but I am also deeply encouraged and inspired by my colleagues in education who will bring back the vital lessons from this experience and utilize their learning to teach future generations the risks of extremism, ensuring that the memory of individuals of all backgrounds who were murdered in the Holocaust will be for a blessing.
In the Poland of today, we met many who are doing the challenging work to reconstruct the historical record, celebrate the heroes, support the Jewish community, and prevent extremism. These people and organizations reinforce the hope of remembrance and honor the refrain: Never Again.
I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Tsipy and the CWB staff, our scholar-educators Avi and Haim, Classrooms Without Borders sponsors and supporters, and my esteemed colleagues who embarked together upon this journey and returned forever changed. Our bond has been forged. Taking off from Warsaw to return home, the wheels come up and the real work begins.