Local satellite ride honors memory, celebrates Jewish resilience and raises funds for Jewish life in Krakow, Poland
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, 118 riders came together for the Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Ride for the Living, a 27-mile community bike ride supporting the Jewish Community Centre of Krakow in Poland. This year’s ride was shaped by a powerful theme: riding with intention.
The uplifting and meaningful ride brought together participants of all ages and skill levels to honor the past, celebrate Jewish resilience, and show support for one another and for Jewish life around the world. With every mile, riders carried forward the spirit of remembrance, community, and hope.
Federation’s Ride for the Living is a satellite ride connected to the original Ride for the Living in Europe, an annual experience centered on a powerful journey from Auschwitz-Birkenau to JCC Krakow. The international Ride for the Living, first held in 2014, supports JCC Krakow’s work to build Krakow’s Jewish future and includes a 60-mile ride from Auschwitz-Birkenau to JCC Krakow, along with educational and community experiences in Krakow.
Locally, riders brought that same spirit home—grounded in remembrance, strengthened by togetherness, and fueled by hope. The no-drop ride ensured that no participant was left behind, with riders supporting one another throughout the day on a carefully planned route.
The event offered three pace groups to welcome riders at different comfort levels: Slow Rollers at 10–12 mph, Cruisers at 13–15 mph, and Chasers at 16–19 mph. Professional security rode at the front and back of the group, and mechanical and SAG support helped ensure a safe, smooth, and welcoming experience. Additionally, a shorter, family-friendly alternative route was added for the first time this year.
Participants traveled from Ferndale toward the Detroit River, with meaningful and engaging stops along the route, a fully stocked rest stop with food and drinks, and a festive post-ride gathering at Ferndale Project.
“Now more than ever, coming together matters,” said Jennifer Levine, Senior Director of the Israel & Overseas Department. “This ride gave our community a chance to move as one, stand proudly in who we are, and show our support for Jewish life—locally and around the world.”
Funds raised through the ride will support the JCC Krakow, which serves as a focal point for Jewish life in Krakow and provides community, educational, social, and humanitarian programs which includes services for over 50 Holocaust Survivors. Ride for the Living participants help sustain that work while bearing witness to history and celebrating the extraordinary renewal of Jewish life in Poland today.
About Ride for the Living
Ride for the Living is an annual initiative of JCC Krakow that connects remembrance with action. The flagship experience in Poland includes a bike ride from Auschwitz-Birkenau to JCC Krakow and invites participants to engage with Krakow’s Jewish past, present, and future. Communities around the world also host satellite events to support JCC Krakow’s mission.
