Echoes from the Ashes

"Echoes From the Ashes is a moving testament to the power of pilgrimage, even to the sites of some of the world's most horrific crimes. While Raphael does not mince words in vividly describing the evil he and his young students encountered on the March of the Living, the book does not, ultimately, evoke cynicism or unyielding despair in the mind of the reader. On virtually every page of this deeply touching work, Raphael implores us to remember the rich Jewish life that existed in Poland for millennia and to rededicate ourselves to preserving the legacy, values and deep devotion of our holy ancestors. He also reminds us that our response to these unimaginable crimes is to never be silent, to stand up against injustice, and to bring more light into the world, after encountering such infinite darkness. When one turns the final page of this book, we understand that regardless of the seemingly endless travails of the Jewish people, to be Jewish means to never give up hope-in God, ourselves or in humanity. In our troubled times, Simcha Raphael's powerful message is certainly one worth heeding."- Eli Rubenstein, National Director of March of the Living Canada