2027 Youth to Israel Adventure (Y2I) & March of the Living Holocaust Education Trip to Poland
Tuesday, June 29-Wednesday, July 14, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions

Before a teen decides to apply for the trip, they must agree to wear a hat and drink lots of water during the day throughout the trip for their safety and health.  This is not optional. It is very hot in both countries and taking precautionary measures against sunstroke and dehydration is essential. If a teen will not agree to this, they should not apply to the program.

Who qualifies for the 2027 Y2I & March of the Living Holocaust Education Trip to Poland?

Jewish teens who:

• Are sophomores or juniors in high school as of September 1, 2026.
• Meet one of the following criteria:
  • Reside in Lappin Foundation’s North Shore, Greater Boston, or Merrimack Valley service area.
  • Be a member of a Jewish organization in Lappin Foundation’s North Shore, Greater Boston, or Merrimack Valley service area

Who is considered a Jewish teen?

Be Jewish, consider themselves to be Jewish, and be raised exclusively in the Jewish faith (meaning not actively practicing another faith).

Do teens from interfaith families qualify for Y2I & March of the Living Holocaust Education Trip to Poland?

Yes! We warmly welcome teens from interfaith families to Y2I. Some years up to 40% or more of Y2I teens are from interfaith families.

What if I do not live in the service area or belong to a temple in the service area, can I still participate in Y2I & March of the Living Holocaust Education Trip to Poland?

Please contact Sharon Wyner at (978) 565-4450 or email  swyner@lappinfoundation.org  to discuss.

Can teens who did not go to Hebrew school, who did not have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or who are not religious apply to Y2I & March of the Living Holocaust Education Trip to Poland?

Absolutely! There is no religious expectation, Jewish education requirement or Bar or Bat Mitzvah requirement for 2027 Y2I & March of the Living Holocaust Education Trip to Poland.

Is everyone who applies to Y2I & March of the Living & Holocaust Education Trip to Poland accepted?

Through the interview and recommendation process, it may be determined that a teen is not ready for the Y2I & March of the Living Holocaust Education Trip to Poland. Otherwise, if a teen meets the criteria and is ready for the travel experience, we do not limit the number of qualified participants.

When will the teens be in Poland and when will they be in Israel?

The trip departs for Krakow, Poland on Tuesday, June 29. Teens will be in Poland until Sunday, July 4. On July 4 the group will travel to Israel, where they will stay until Wednesday, July 14.

How much does it cost to participate in Y2I?

The trip to Poland and Israel is fully subsidized, thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors to Lappin Foundation’s Annual Campaign. A $700 refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot. When the program requirements are fulfilled, the refundable deposit is returned. There is a $400 fee for programing, insurance, and tips. Financial aid is available should anyone need it. For more information contact Sharon Wyner at (978) 565-4450 or swyner@lappinfoundation.org.

What if I cannot attend one of the required pre-trip meetings?

A make-up assignment will be sent to you.

Do I need a passport for the trip?

Yes, a valid passport is required for travel to Poland and Israel.

• If you have a passport, check the expiration date. If your passport expires on or before January 14, 2028, it is not valid for travel to Israel on 2027 Y2I.
• If you are thinking of going on the trip and you do not yet have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as possible. From the age of 16, passports are valid for 10 years. You can apply at your local post office or get more information here.
• We will need your passport information before an airline ticket is purchased for you. Getting a passport must be a high priority.

We know from experience that delaying passport application or renewal might result in you not having your passport in time for us to purchase a ticket for the trip. The passport office can be very slow, and delays are inevitable.

What is the size of the Y2I & March of the Living Holocaust Education Trip to Poland staff?

The staff size depends on the number of teens enrolled in Y2I & March of the Living Holocaust Education Trip to Poland.  On every bus there will be at least two adult counselors, a tour educator, a bus driver, and a security guard who is a medic. Other staff members include a mental health professional, Debbie Coltin (Lappin Foundation’s Executive Director), a healthcare professional, and additional counselors if needed. All the staff has experience with teens.

How do you get to Poland and to Israel and home again?

Flight details will be available in the coming months.

What is the trip itinerary?

The focus on Holocaust education will take place during the day when in Poland.  The group will visit the death camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau and Majdanek, the mass grave at the Children’s Forest, and Holocaust memorials, as well as the cities of Lublin and Krakow. The trip will be balanced with fun, social activities that balance the heaviness of the day.

In Israel we will visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, and the Dead Sea, touring sites, participating in stimulating workshops, enjoying activities, and enjoying the natural beauty and resources that Israel offers.

What are the hotels like?

We stay in nice hotels in Poland and Israel. We will send you the names and locations of the hotels.

How many teens share a room?

There will be no more than three teens per room, and teens do not share beds.

How do you travel around Poland and Israel?

We travel in air-conditioned coach buses!

Do Y2I teens meet Israeli teens?

Yes! You will have the opportunity to meet Israeli teens.

How will I get detailed information about the packing list, money exchanging, roommates, cell phones, and group assignments?

The trip orientation meeting will take place on Sunday, April 4, 2027, 3:00-5:00 p.m. to provide teens and parents with all the details about the trip and to answer questions teens and parents may have. The location of the meeting will be announced.

Who can I contact to get more information about the 2027 Youth to Israel Adventure and March of the Living Holocaust Education Trip to Poland?

Sharon Wyner
swyner@lappinfoundation.org
978-565-4450