March Of The Living: A Powerful Performance By Freed Hostages Berger And Weiss

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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The annual March of the Living is a powerful pilgrimage commemorating the victims of the Holocaust. This year, it gained unprecedented significance with the participation of Gilad Schalit, Avraham Mengistu, and Hisham al-Sayed – freed hostages whose experiences resonate deeply with the march's message of remembrance and the fight against hatred. Their presence added a layer of profound emotional weight, transforming the event into a powerful symbol of hope and survival against unimaginable odds. Their stories, interwoven with the historical narrative of the Holocaust, created a truly unforgettable March of the Living.

The Significance of Hostage Participation in the March of the Living

A Unique Perspective on Resilience

The inclusion of Gilad Schalit, Avraham Mengistu, and Hisham al-Sayed offered a unique perspective on the themes of survival and resilience, echoing the struggles of Holocaust survivors in a profoundly contemporary way. Their experiences of captivity, though vastly different in context, shared a common thread with the horrors of the Holocaust: the deprivation of freedom, the constant threat to life, and the unwavering need for inner strength to endure.

• Powerful Speeches: Each hostage delivered a moving speech, sharing their experiences and emphasizing the importance of hope and perseverance. Schalit's speech focused on the importance of peace and reconciliation, while Mengistu's highlighted his unwavering faith and the support of his family. Al-Sayed's address emphasized the common humanity shared by all people, transcending political and religious divides.
• Symbolic Participation: Their mere presence at the March of the Living was a powerful symbol. Walking alongside thousands of participants, they visually linked the historical atrocities of the Holocaust with contemporary struggles against oppression and captivity.
• Broadening the Message: Their participation expanded the March of the Living's message beyond the Holocaust itself, encompassing the broader fight against all forms of injustice, intolerance, and human rights violations. This broadened scope resonated deeply with participants and observers alike.

The March of the Living: A Brief Overview and its Importance

The Historical Context

The March of the Living is an annual educational program that takes tens of thousands of students and educators from around the world on a pilgrimage to Poland to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. The march begins at Auschwitz-Birkenau and ends at the grounds of the former Warsaw Ghetto.

• Key Dates: The march typically takes place in the spring, around Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day).
• Locations: The march encompasses visits to numerous significant sites connected to the Holocaust, including concentration camps, ghettos, and mass graves.
• Participants: Traditionally, the march includes a large number of Jewish participants, as well as students and educators from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, underscoring its global significance.
• Crucial Education: This pilgrimage serves as a crucial tool in Holocaust education. The experience is far more impactful than simply reading about the atrocities; it fosters empathy, understanding, and a commitment to preventing future genocides.

The Individual Stories of Schalit, Mengistu, and Al-Sayed and their Impact

Gilad Schalit's Testimony

Gilad Schalit, an Israeli soldier held captive by Hamas for five years, shared his experiences of captivity with the March of the Living participants. His message was one of hope and resilience, emphasizing the importance of human connection and the strength found in faith and family.

• Captivity Details: He described the harsh conditions of his confinement, his unwavering hope for freedom, and the support system that helped him endure.
• Message of Peace: Schalit's emphasis on peace and reconciliation resonated deeply with the audience, given the often-fraught political climate in the region.
• Emotional Response: His presence elicited an outpouring of emotion, symbolizing the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

Avraham Mengistu's Journey

Avraham Mengistu, an Israeli citizen held captive in Gaza, shared a deeply personal account of his long captivity. His story focused on his faith, the support of his family, and his unwavering hope for return.

• Captivity Details: He highlighted the difficulties faced during his captivity, emphasizing the psychological toll and the importance of maintaining inner strength.
• Message to the World: Mengistu's message was one of perseverance, emphasizing the importance of never giving up hope, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
• Challenges Faced: His story emphasized the challenges faced not only during captivity, but also during the difficult reintegration process after his release.

Hisham al-Sayed's Experience

Hisham al-Sayed, an Egyptian citizen held captive in Israel, offered a unique perspective, underscoring the shared humanity that transcends political conflict. His participation underscored the universal human desire for freedom and peace.

• Captivity Details: Al-Sayed shared aspects of his captivity, highlighting the importance of maintaining dignity and hope amidst difficult circumstances.
• Message of Hope and Peace: His message focused on the importance of fostering peace and understanding between different cultures and religions, emphasizing the commonalities that connect people rather than the differences that divide them.
• Intercultural Understanding: His presence was particularly significant in promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding, a crucial element in preventing future conflicts.

The Broader Implications and Lasting Impact of their Participation

A Powerful Symbol of Hope and Reconciliation

The participation of Schalit, Mengistu, and Al-Sayed served as a powerful symbol of hope and reconciliation, transcending political divides and fostering unity.

• Reactions: The media widely covered their participation, highlighting the significance of their presence and the emotional impact on the participants. Many described it as a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.
• Long-Term Impact: Their shared experience and powerful testimonies are likely to leave a lasting impact on Holocaust education and broader societal understanding, encouraging empathy, compassion, and a commitment to preventing future atrocities.

Conclusion:

The participation of freed hostages Gilad Schalit, Avraham Mengistu, and Hisham al-Sayed in the March of the Living created a profoundly moving and unforgettable experience. Their stories of resilience and survival added a new dimension to the annual pilgrimage, enriching its message and making it even more relevant for future generations. Their presence transformed the March of the Living into a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for endurance, hope, and ultimately, reconciliation.

Call to Action: Learn more about the March of the Living and the powerful testimonies of these individuals. Participate in future Marches of the Living to help keep the memory of the Holocaust alive and fight against intolerance. #MarchOfTheLiving #HolocaustRemembrance #HopeAndResilience #Schalit #Mengistu #AlSayed