Matzmichim M'Shoreshim
Growing Wings is proud to launch our first Poland Journey in November 2026.
Originally planned for 2020 and postponed due to COVID and the challenges that followed, this journey will bring a selected cohort of Lone Soldier veterans to Poland for a meaningful experience of Jewish memory, reflection, and leadership.
This journey is dedicated in memory of Ariel Lubliner z״l, who was meant to serve as a mentor on the original trip and was later killed in Gaza.
*Registration is open. Spots are limited and by application only
About the Journey
What Is the Poland Journey?
A grounding experience rooted in memory, identity, reflection, and continuity for Lone Soldier veterans.
The Growing Wings Poland Journey is not just a trip. It is a guided experience for Lone Soldier veterans to reflect on Jewish history, identity, service, loss, survival, and responsibility. Participants will travel together through major Jewish historical and Holocaust memory sites in Poland, with preparation before the trip and continued connection after returning. The journey is built around reflection, education, community, and carrying memory forward.
Why Poland, Why Now?
We go to Poland not only to remember what was lost, but to carry forward what must continue.
Lone Soldiers choose to stand with the Jewish people in a deeply personal way — often leaving behind family, comfort, and familiarity to serve Israel. This journey gives them space to step back, remember where we come from, reflect on what they have carried, and connect their personal story to the larger story of Jewish survival, strength, and continuity. It is a chance to return with deeper purpose and responsibility.
Honoring Ariel Lubliner z״l
A grounding experience rooted in memory, identity, reflection, and continuity for Lone Soldier veterans.
Ariel Lubliner z״l was supposed to be a mentor on the original Growing Wings Poland trip in 2020. After the trip was postponed, Ariel was later killed in Gaza while serving Israel and the Jewish people. As Growing Wings finally launches this journey, we do so in Ariel’s memory — carrying forward the values he was meant to help guide: service, responsibility, community, and care for others.
Who Should Apply
This journey is for Lone Soldier veterans who are ready for a meaningful, emotional, and community-based experience.
Applicants should be:
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Lone SoldierReservist (served since October 7th 2023)
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Emotionally ready to visit Holocaust memory sites
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Open to group reflection and discussion
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Aligned with the Growing Wings mission
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Ready to represent the Lone Soldier community with maturity
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Willing to take part in preparation and post-trip engagement
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Able to pay a small, symbolic commitment fee if accepted
Where?
The journey will take place in Poland and will include major Jewish historical and Holocaust memory sites, with guided education, ceremonies, reflection, and group processing throughout. Planned locations include Warsaw, Treblinka, Lublin/Majdanek, Kraków, and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Each site will be approached with preparation, respect, and space for meaningful reflection.
When?
The Growing Wings Poland Journey is planned for November 2026. Before the trip, accepted participants will receive additional details, preparation materials, and guidance from the Growing Wings team. The journey will include time for education, reflection, group connection, and processing throughout the experience.
How Do I Apply?
Participation is limited and application-based. Growing Wings will review each application carefully to build a strong, mission-aligned cohort. We are looking for honesty, maturity, emotional readiness, and a willingness to be part of something larger than yourself. Selected applicants may be invited for a follow-up conversation before final decisions are made.
