Capturing the Legacy: Photographing the March of the Living in Memory of Miriam Orski

Hello,

It's Sam from SB Creatives Photography here....

Last week, I had the privilege of photographing a deeply moving March of the Living (MOTL) event honouring the memory of Miriam Orski. The evening was not only a tribute to Miriam’s remarkable life, but also a reminder of why events like these matter — to remember, to educate, and to carry forward the stories of those who came before us.

The night began with guests warmly schmoozing, reconnecting, and sharing stories before taking their seats. There was a real sense of community in the room, a feeling that everyone was gathered not just to remember, but to be part of something ongoing. Gary officially opened the evening, setting the tone for a night of reflection, inspiration, and commitment.

Adam then shared his heartfelt reflections on why he remains so deeply involved in MOTL. He recalled the year he walked the March alongside the Orski family, describing it as a life-changing journey. He also shared how his mother was privileged to participate in the March, an experience that deepened their family’s connection to its mission and strengthened their commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education.

Adam spoke about the transformative impact of travelling to Poland, visiting the sites where history’s darkest moments unfolded, and finding light in the bonds forged along the way. Miriam’s warmth, resilience, and dedication to passing on the lessons of the Holocaust left an indelible mark on him — and on so many others who had the privilege to know her.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments was a fireside chat with Kev Smaller and Sam Zwarenstein, a MOTL recipient whose life was profoundly shaped by the journey. Sam’s reflection was honest and moving, painting a vivid picture of what it means to stand where history happened and to connect those lessons to the world we live in today.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, giving the audience an opportunity to delve deeper into the experiences shared, followed by a heartfelt pledge to continue supporting the March of the Living. The message was clear: the legacy of survivors and educators like Miriam Orski must be preserved, and it’s up to us to ensure the next generation has the opportunity to learn, remember, and bear witness.

As I photographed the event, I was struck not only by the faces of those listening intently, but also by the sense of unity in the room. It was a gathering of people determined to carry the torch of memory — and to pass it on.

This was more than an evening of remembrance; it was a call to action. And through my lens, I was reminded that every image, every story, and every memory plays a part in keeping that legacy alive.