Poland

Over the last month, we have been preparing for our upcoming journey to Poland. The Workshoppers will be  spending seven days in Poland, travelling in Krakow, Lublin and Warsaw as part of a historical and philosophical exploration of the Holocaust. We began two weeks ago with a day and a half seminar, run by the workshop madrichim, introducing some of the themes of the Holocaust. This past Wednesday to Friday, Workshoppers went through their second preparation, including two days in the Museum at Kibbutz Lochmei Hagitaot (the Ghetto Fighters' Kibbutz). Each kvutza met the madrich masa (journey guide) that will be leading them through their Poland journey. The preparations are a key part of the Habonim Dror Poland journey, setting shared expectations of what the journey will look like and introducing some of the content of Poland. Like many trips to Poland, we explore the historical progression of the Holocaust, visit various concentration camps and memorial sites, and learn about the Jewish experience during the Holocaust. A unique aspect of our trip, however, is the focus on youth and rebellion during the Holocaust. We connect our own youth movement experiences to those of the leaders of some of the major ghetto rebellions during the Holocaust, including the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the Krakow Ghetto. Although emotionally challenging, the journey to Poland has begun very successfully. We will be in Poland from February 10th-17th. Before we leave, each kvutza will have one more day of preparation with their madrich masa.

Ofir, the Rishon kvutza's madrich masa, in the Museum at Kibbutz Lochmei Hagitaot. 

Stretching before a long day in the Museum.

 Hanging out in a new chultza!

The Karmiel kvutza, all sporting new chultzot.