March of the Living dinner raises £130,000

March of the Living UK’s first fundraising dinner brought in more than £130,000, which will support increased involvement in the “educational journey” in Poland.

Israeli envoy Mark Regev and international March of the Living chair Dr Shmuel Rosenman were among the 100 guests who heard from Holocaust survivors and young people who have taken part in the march.

Survivor Arek Hirsh recalled the “death march” in 1945 — “three days with no food, no water in freezing temperatures wearing just striped pyjamas.

“It is incredible to think that now we are joined by young people from around the world for a March of the Living.”

UK chair Scott Saunders said afterwards: “It is our aim to ensure that participation in March of the Living becomes a rite of passage for every Jewish student in the UK.

“Education is at the core of what we do and the survivors’ stories are at the heart of that educational process. It is imperative that their message is heard as widely as possible.”

The annual commemorative and educational experience culminates with a march through Auschwitz on Yom Hashoah. This year’s event is fully subscribed with a record 300 UK participants joining thousands more from around the world.