A Journey with a Purpose
This June marked the second time I flew to Krakow to volunteer at the JCC (Jewish Community Center). I’m not a competitive cyclist – but I absolutely love cycling. It’s my favorite way to discover the world around me, especially places with historical and emotional weight.
Cycling Through History
In 2024 for example, I volunteered in the Netherlands for the Freedom Ride in Apeldoorn, which took place on May 5, the national day of remembrance for the end of the Nazi occupation. Riders traveled through the Veluwe region – an area heavily affected by WWII, visiting historic sites and honoring the past with every turn of the pedal. And then, I got to take part in the Ride For The Living in Krakow.
What is Ride For The Living?
Organized by JCC Krakow, Ride For The Living is a 60-mile ride from Auschwitz-Birkenau to Krakow, created to honor Holocaust victims while celebrating Jewish life and resilience today. Since its launch in 2008, it’s grown into a powerful, symbolic journey of transformation. When I first heard about it, I was instantly drawn in. Not being able to participate as a cyclist, I offered to volunteer. I was welcomed warmly – and now, I truly feel like part of a big family.
Witnessing History in Motion
Every year, Holocaust survivors join the ride. One of them is Marcel Zielinski, who was just 10 when he was deported to Auschwitz. After the camp’s liberation, Marcel walked the same route back to Krakow, searching for surviving family. I had the honor of meeting Marcel last year. Unfortunately, due to the closure of Israeli airspace this year, he couldn’t join us. But his presence was still felt – especially through stories shared by fellow participants.
Another living legend is Bernard Offen, a 96-year-old survivor of five concentration camps, who continues to ride with us each year. The strength and resilience of these individuals are the very heart of the event.
[Me at Auschwitz – 2024 | 📷 Credit: JCC Krakow]
The Jewish Culture Festival
The ride is part of a much larger celebration – The Jewish Culture Festival, also organized by the JCC. This incredible festival includes Yiddish lessons, Bagel-making workshops, Film screenings, Live concerts – and the largest Shabbat dinner in Krakow since 1939. I helped set up and serve at that historic Shabbat dinner, which was deeply moving. Imagine a table where thousands gather to break bread, sing, laugh, and honor Jewish life in a city once defined by tragedy.
The Power of Connection
As a volunteer, I witnessed moments of deep reflection, raw emotion, spontaneous joy, and lasting connection. People from around the globe gathered with one purpose: to honor the past while actively building a brighter future.
As the JCC itself says: “we cycle away from the darkness of Auschwitz-Birkenau and into the bright Jewish future being built at JCC Krakow, just 60 miles away.”
Why It Matters
Being part of Ride For The Living means so much more than just volunteering. It’s about remembrance, resilience, and rebuilding. We don’t erase the past, we acknowledge it, and we create something beautiful from it. A living, breathing testament to survival and hope.
📺 Ride For The Living 2024 Highlights
🚴♀️ Visit the official site to learn more: ridefortheliving.org/rftl-krakow
Whether you ride, volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word – you are helping keep the memory alive and ensuring Jewish life continues to flourish.
💙 Thank you, JCC Krakow, for letting me be part of this incredible journey. I’ll be back.
