It’s a perfect Sunday morning in Ferndale. With bicycles in tow, riders from all over Jewish Detroit gather at Ferndale High to begin a ride unlike any other. Because this is Ride For The Living.
The Origins: A Tribute to Courage and Survival
Ride For The Living was inspired by Holocaust survivor Robert Desmond’s 1,350-mile ride from London to Auschwitz. Following his ride, Robert came to Krakow and visited the Krakow JCC, where he learned about the reawakened and growing Jewish community in the city. It became clear then that his ride should not have ended at Auschwitz, a place of sorrow and loss, but at the JCC, surrounded by the local community and friends from around the world.
It’s here in the story where Jonathan Ornstein, Executive Director of the Krakow JCC, offered to help, creating the first Ride For The Living that went from Auschwitz to the Krakow JCC. Now an annual event in Poland, Ride For The Living has become a symbol of our strength and hope as a Jewish people.
The Detroit Connection
Every summer, Federation’s Israel & Overseas Department organizes its own Ride For The Living to support the Krakow JCC. Like the Poland ride, this symbolic journey from Ferndale to the Detroit Riverfront and back, honors the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust while celebrating the miraculous rebirth of Jewish life in Poland today.
Federation’s 2024 ride, which takes place on August 18, brings together people of all ages and skill levels. Especially during these challenging times, it provides a unique, family-friendly way for our community to come together to show our unwavering solidarity.
Jonathan Ornstein himself will be riding in Detroit this year, too. Said Ornstein, “The Detroit Jewish community has been a great friend to our Krakow Jewish community over the years, with JFD sending hundreds of people on missions.” This strong partnership continues with this year’s Detroit Ride in August. “Krakow and Detroit are two communities that have gone through difficult times yet maintained their strong Jewish identities and never gave up” he adds. “This connection makes our bond even stronger.”
With 100% of all registration proceeds going to the JCC in Krakow, the support raised through Detroit’s Ride For The Living is especially crucial this year due to the humanitarian assistance that the organization continues to provide to thousands of Ukrainian refugees since the Russian attack and displaced Israelis since October 7.
“I can’t wait to ride with Detroit and am so excited about for all that our communities will do together,” said Ornstein.”
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Registration is now open to individuals, families and teams.
Federation hopes to make this year’s Ride For The Living their biggest unity ride yet. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or someone looking for a meaningful way to show your solidarity with the Jewish people, this perfect Sunday morning ride offers a fun and unique opportunity to make a difference.
