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Tanya Miller is a wife, mother, JWRP sister, active member of her synagogue, and an ‎Associate Director of Development at the Anti-Defamation League in Florida. We spoke to Tanya just two minutes after her daughter’s plane departed for a March of the Living trip to Poland and Israel. Tanya shared her family’s story of reunification after the Holocaust, as well as how she pays tribute to the millions of lives that were lost.

What inspired you to travel to Israel with the JWRP?

As a mom, wife, and full-time employee, I don’t have much free time. When I learned that I could experience Israel alongside other women and mothers on a MOMentum Trip, I knew that it would spark something deep in my soul. The trip allowed me to reconnect to my Jewish roots, recharge my battery, and be at one with myself.

Tell us about a trip highlight.

When we visited Yad Vashem, I came across a book with the Swedish Red Cross symbol on it. The Swedish Red Cross is very meaningful to me because it liberated my grandmother. After the war, she and her sister searched for one another, but couldn’t find each other. My grandmother came to America, and her sister ultimately went to Israel. Ten years later, they discovered that each of them was still alive. Not only was I able to share this story with my JWRP sisters, but I was also able to meet my grandmother’s sister’s daughter for lunch in Tel Aviv. I truly felt like I was able to pay my respects to both women.

How do you feel about your daughter’s participation in the March of the Living?

All four of my grandparents are Holocaust survivors, and two survived Auschwitz. My daughter is the first person from our family to return to Poland. She is traveling there with many of her friends from our community, and fulfilling a very important journey for our family.

What is your advice to other JWRP sisters who want to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust?

First of all, never forget what happened to our people. Hold on to your roots and always be proud of your heritage. Recognize that it’s a privilege to be Jewish. Celebrate the lives that we lead, as well as our freedom. Remember the lives that were lost. And do as much as you can to support Israel and our Jewish community.