Ride with Us. Ride for Them.

Ride for the Living Global Challenge

Ride for the Living (RFTL) is a program created by JCC Krakow that commemorates the 60-mile journey that liberated Jews walked from Auschwitz-Birkenau to Krakow, Poland with a symbolic bike ride following their same journey. Participants from around the world gather to take part in this incredible experience in Poland as a way of honoring Holocaust victims and the rebirth of the Jewish community in Krakow. Ride for the Living (RFTL) is a program created by JCC Krakow that commemorates the 60-mile journey that liberated Jews walked from Auschwitz-Birkenau to Krakow, Poland with a symbolic bike ride following their same journey. Participants from around the world gather to take part in this incredible experience in Poland as a way of honoring Holocaust victims and the rebirth of the Jewish community in Krakow.

“It has truly brought our community together time and time again. It has been an honor to lead the rides.”

Elsie Bennett, Fitness & Wellness Director

In response to the pandemic, JCC Krakow crafted a remote Virtual Ride for the Living Global Challenge experience so people could still participate in this meaningful event from the comfort and safety of their own community. The virtual RFTL Global Challenge combines fitness and Holocaust education to help support JCC Krakow and survivors around the world.

The Alpert JCC is proud to be celebrating our 10th year as the longest-running continuous global partner of RFTL. The Alpert JCC has been participating every year since our first satellite ride in 2015 led by Fitness and Wellness Director Elsie Bennett. This beloved and inspiring program returns to the J on Monday, June 9, with a 90-minute spin class led by Elsie Bennett and Kristina Shafton. This special spin class will be energetic, educational and empowering. DJ Why Not will be “spinning” beats to get everyone moving. Following the ride, there will be a reception for our participants. While the occasion is bittersweet, the ride itself is a high-energy celebration that commemorates the perseverance of the Jewish people through exercise.

"The relationship between Jewish Long Beach and JCC Krakow is a testament to the power of global Jewish unity, resilience, and shared purpose. Hosting the Ride for the Living satellite ride and sharing its origin story has deeply moved our community. This year, as we prepare to host our ride, I’ll also have the incredible honor of traveling to Krakow with nine others to represent Jewish Long Beach for the 10th anniversary of Ride for the Living."

Kristina Shafton, Fitness Instructor

Can’t make it to the in-person event at the Alpert JCC? Go at your own pace and track your miles online by signing up for the RFTL Global Challenge. Whether you want to walk 10 miles over the course of a week or bike 100 miles in one day, the RFTL Global Challenge has something for everyone!

If you are interested in other ways to show your support, consider donating to support the humanitarian efforts of JCC Krakow. All proceeds will benefit JCC Krakow’s efforts to help Ukranian and Israeli refugees, Holocaust survivors, and the Jewish community in Krakow survive and thrive.

Find RFTL resources for this year’s Global Challenge at alpertjcc.org/rftl25

Spots for the June 9 spin class are limited, so sign up today online or in the Alpert JCC App to participate!

Ride for the Living at the Alpert JCC

Monday, June 9, 6 PM

Themed 90-min Spin

Participant Reception

Register at alpertjcc.org/rftl25 or the Alpert JCC App!