Journey For The Living raises over $160,000 to empower educators and keep history alive
In the heart of New Jersey, a powerful movement is growing—one rooted in remembrance, education, and resilience. At its center is the story of Holocaust survivor Mark Schonwetter, whose personal legacy has become the driving force behind a national initiative called the Journey For The Living. What began as one man’s survival story has evolved into a multi-state campaign that has now raised more than $160,000, helping teachers across the country deliver essential Holocaust education to students who need it now more than ever.
This isn’t just a story of survival. It’s a story of impact—and it starts right here in New Jersey.
🕊️ From Tragedy to Teaching: The Legacy of Mark Schonwetter
Mark Schonwetter was just a child in Poland when the Nazi regime began its reign of terror. He and his family endured years of unimaginable hardship, evading capture by hiding in forests and relying on the kindness of strangers. His survival was nothing short of miraculous—but rather than allow those years to fade into silence, Schonwetter chose a different path: one of sharing, educating, and building bridges of understanding.
Today, the Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation, launched by his daughters Ann and Isabella, ensures that his story—and the stories of millions like his—continue to be told in classrooms across the U.S.
The flagship initiative of the foundation, Journey For The Living, invites individuals and schools to walk, run, or bike in honor of Mark’s survival. The goal is symbolic: participants log 15 miles, representing the many miles Mark and his family walked through war-torn Poland to find safety. In doing so, they raise awareness—and critically, funds—to support Holocaust education.
📚 Where the Money Goes: Directly into Classrooms
So far, over $160,000 has been raised through this grassroots-driven campaign, and every dollar is put to meaningful use. Grants from the foundation help K–12 teachers bring Holocaust education to life in their classrooms, whether through books, museum trips, survivor guest speakers, or immersive learning tools.
In a time where misinformation runs rampant and antisemitism is unfortunately on the rise, these educational experiences are more important than ever. The Journey For The Living doesn’t just preserve history—it helps teachers empower students to stand against hate, bias, and bigotry in all forms.
Want to see how art and culture connect with education across the Garden State? Check out our Arts & Culture section here to explore more programs and community-driven projects just like this.
🌍 From New Jersey to the Nation
What started in New Jersey has now become a national movement. Schools from coast to coast are joining the Journey For The Living, and every new participant adds more momentum to the mission.
But New Jersey remains the heart and soul of this effort. Towns across the state have hosted community walks, awareness events, and fundraisers inspired by the Schonwetter family’s mission. It’s yet another example of how New Jerseyans come together to uplift one another—and to educate the next generation with compassion and clarity.
🔗 How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re an educator, a student, a parent, or someone simply moved by Mark Schonwetter’s story, there are countless ways to join the movement:
- Register for the Journey For The Living and commit to walking 15 miles in Mark’s honor.
- Make a donation to support Holocaust education in schools across the U.S.
- Nominate a teacher or school to receive a grant from the foundation.
- Host a local event or fundraiser in your New Jersey community.
Each step you take helps ensure that the horrors of the past are never forgotten—and that future generations learn not only the facts of history, but also the human stories that shape our moral understanding of the world.
🛤️ Walking Forward With Purpose
The Journey For The Living is more than just a symbolic walk. It’s a call to action—a reminder that education is one of our greatest tools in the fight against ignorance and hatred. And thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Schonwetter family and their growing network of supporters, the lessons of the Holocaust are reaching new audiences with new urgency.
Here in New Jersey, we’re proud to be at the forefront of that mission.
Explore how arts, history, and culture are transforming education across our state in our Art & Culture hub—and consider taking the first step on your own Journey For The Living today.
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