Guide dogs to lead six Israelis on March of the Living

Six blind Israelis and their guide dogs will participate in Monday’s March of the Living from Auschwitz to Birkenau to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind sent a delegation of Israelis and their companions to take part in the memorial and three-kilometer silent procession from the Oswiecim train station to the Birkenau death camp.

“The participation of guide dog center graduates in the March of the Living is 
powerful and symbolic: not only were Jews systematically exterminated, but thousands of disabled human beings were murdered by the Nazis,” the center said in a statement.

“In addition, the Nazis often used dogs as weapons of persecution and even murder. Integrating the blind and visually impaired into the March of the Living enables them to take part in this unique experience and share in this significant annual event along with Jews from around the world.”

Among the six visually-impaired Israelis in Poland is Moti Levy, who was blinded in both eyes and lost his left arm as an IDF soldier during a training exercise in October 1976. After months of rehabilitation, he learned how to use his prosthetic arm and basic cane techniques. His guide dog Sammy will lead him on the march.

The six will be joining thousands of other participants — including IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz — in the annual event in memory of those who perished in the Holocaust.