Registration is open for the Growing Wings Journey to Poland in November 2026. Apply Here!
Growing Roots
Growing Wings is proud to announce the launch of "Growing Roots", the first journey to Poland for Lone Soldiers, taking place in November 2026. Thirty former Lone Soldiers will embark on a meaningful seven-day journey centered on Jewish history, identity, reflection, and leadership.
The journey is dedicated to the memory of Ariel Lubliner z״l, a Lone Soldier reservist and Growing Wings mentor.
Spots are limited and by application only
About the Program
What Is Growing Roots?
Growing Roots is a fully subsidized trip to Poland, designed for former Lone Soldiers to explore Jewish history and identity, reflect on their service and experiences, and connect their personal stories to the broader story of Jewish resilience and continuity. Participants will visit significant Jewish and Holocaust sites throughout Poland, supported by preparatory seminars in Israel and continued engagement after returning.
Why Poland, Why Now?
We travel to Poland not only to remember what was lost, but to understand what we are responsible for carrying forward.
Lone Soldiers make a deeply personal commitment to the Jewish people, often leaving behind family, comfort, and familiarity to serve Israel. This journey gives participants the space to reflect on where we come from, what they have carried, and the role they will play in shaping our collective future.
Honoring Ariel Lubliner z״l
Ariel Lubliner z״l was a Lone Soldier from Brazil and a mentor for the original Growing Wings Poland journey, which was scheduled for 2020 and postponed due to COVID-19.
Ariel was killed in Gaza in August 2025 while serving as a reservist. As Growing Wings launches this journey, we do so in his memory and carry forward the values he embodied: service, responsibility, community, and care for others.
Who Should Apply?
This journey is intended for former Lone Soldiers seeking to participate in a meaningful, reflective, and community-centered experience.
Applicants should be:
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Former Lone Soldiers who have served in the reserves since Oct 7, 2023
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Former Lone Soldiers with a meaningful personal story and a unique contribution to the Lone Soldier community
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Former Lone Soldiers between the ages of 21 and 30
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Emotionally prepared to visit Holocaust remembrance sites
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Open to group reflection, learning, and discussion
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Willing to represent the Lone Soldier community with maturity and responsibility
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Committed to participating in the preparation process and post-trip engagement
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Able to attend at least two of the three pre-trip seminars
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Selected applicants will be asked to submit a fully refundable commitment fee to secure their place on the journey
Where?
The program will begin with three preparatory seminars in Israel. In Poland, participants will visit Warsaw, Treblinka, Lublin and Majdanek, Kraków, and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Each site will be approached with preparation, respect, and space for meaningful reflection.
When?
The seven-day journey is planned for November 2026. Accepted participants will receive the full schedule, preparation materials, and guidance from the Growing Wings team. Attendance at at least two of the three preparatory seminars in Israel is required.
How Do I Apply?
Participation is limited and application-based. Each application will be carefully reviewed for honesty, maturity, emotional readiness, and commitment to the group. Selected applicants may be invited to a follow-up conversation before final decisions are made.
Ready?
Registration is open!
Complete the application for consideration. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.