Welcome to the May 2024 newsletter |
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of our new CEO Gary Samowitz.
Gary brings a long and successful career of communal involvement to the position. He served as CEO of Stand Up for 10 years, after which he worked with the Hakoah Club, managing its community engagement and fundraising activities, as well as consulting to the Jewish Arts Quarter.
Gary previously served as Head Madrich (Youth Leader) of March of the Living Australia Year 11 program in 2006, as an educator on the program to Poland and Israel in 2009 and was a member of the board for a couple of years. He holds degrees in Holocaust studies, has undertaken the Yad Vashem educators course and has a proven track record in non-profit and community leadership.
Gary is honoured to be stepping into this role at such a pivotal time in our history and said: "With the global surge of antisemitism, Holocaust education has never been more important. Exposing more people to what happens when racism and discrimination are allowed to fester unchecked will hopefully inspire them to not be bystanders to what is happening in the world today."
Board Chair Adam Geha said: "The board and I are excited to work alongside a proven leader of Gary Samowitz's calibre to scale our organisation, its reach and its mission. Gary will be replacing Cedric Geffen who has performed this role with passion and distinction in a voluntary capacity since 2011."
Cedric has just returned from leading his 9th March of the Living trip. He shared that "it is with a great sense of pride and immense satisfaction that I pass on the baton of leadership and stewardship of this incredible organisation to such an esteemed and accomplished alumnus of the program. Intergenerational succession is the key to growth and sustainability and I am totally confident that with Gary at the helm, MOTLA will grow from strength to strength."
March of the Living Australia is immensely grateful to Cedric for his commitment and dedication over many years and we look forward to honouring his contribution in the coming months.
Get in touch with Gary here to discuss getting more involved in MOTLA. |
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March of the Living Australia recently concluded a highly successful program which comprised of 30 participants, a third of whom were from the wider community. This year's educator, Muki Jankelowitz was described as an amazing human being. One of our participants said that Muki is skilled in his delivery, humour and engagement. Cedric's exemplary leadership and guidance was well noticed by the group as well.
This year's March of the Living was deeply impacted by the ongoing pain and suffering in Israel. Despite these challenges, our program continued to emphasise the importance of education and remembrance. As one of only six international delegations to visit Israel this year, the Australian group visited the sites of the October 7 massacres - an experience which participants found deeply moving, given that they were in Auschwitz just a few days earlier.
Some of the highlights mentioned by our participants include the Yom Hashoah ceremony, the March itself, the Yom Haatzmaut ceremony, meeting with soldiers in Kibbutz Tzora, . The personal stories were a great part of the program as well as the group dynamics highlighted by its diversity of ages and backgrounds.
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"March Of The Living was an experience that reshaped my understanding of history, humanity, and my own identity. This two-week journey through Poland and Israel was more than an educational tour; it was a profound personal transformation that deepened my empathy, fortified my resilience, and instilled a sense of responsibility to remember and to act. The journey with MOTL Australia was transformative in ways that continue to resonate with me. It taught me the importance of remembering the past to understand the present and shape the future. It fortified my resilience, showing me that even in the darkest times, the human spirit and the Jewish people can endure and triumph.
Most importantly, this journey instilled in me a sense of responsibility. The stories I heard and the experiences I had are not mine alone; they are part of a collective memory that must be preserved and shared. I feel a profound duty to carry these lessons forward, to educate others, and to advocate for a world where Never Again is a promise that is kept." Freya appeared on Sky News on Friday 24th May, and shared some of her experiences from her MOTL trip. You can watch the clip here. |
If you are interested in joining the program in 2025 - we are already accepting Expressions of Interest so click on the button below if you would like to be added to our mailing list and to receive details about our 2025 program. We are expecting a large group in 2025. |
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June 4th is Holocaust Survivor Day |
We believe that Holocaust Survivors are our teachers, but the responsibility of passing on the legacy of their testimonies lies with all of us.
On June 4th, 2024, organizations from around the world will come together to celebrate survivors. Each organization and community will hold their own events locally, but together, we will celebrate those who survived. Whether it's a lunch, cardmaking workshop for kids, or just bringing survivors flowers, any event to celebrate survivors and show them how important they are is perfect for Holocaust Survivor Day! The resilience and strength these individuals have demonstrated to younger generations is an invaluable resource, we must cherish it while we still have the privilege.
We will soon, sadly live in a world where the survivors are not with us. Let us all join together and express our love, gratitude and admiration for the survivors.
Click on the link below to access resources including the Holocaust Survivor Day Website, a planning guide for communities, and a promotional toolkit to get the word out! From Melbourne, Florida to Pittsburgh to Budapest, Jewish communities around the world are planning events to honour survivors. |
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Our mailing address is: PO Box 268
Elsternwick
Melbourne 3185
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