Ride For The Living (RFTL) is a four-day event that gives you a chance to immerse yourself in Krakow’s Jewish past, present, and future. Come discover and celebrate Jewish life in Poland. RFTL boasts a full program of activities, including a private guided tour of Auschwitz, tours of Krakow, participation in the largest Shabbat dinner in post-war Krakow, and an inspiring one-day, 60-mile (97 km) bike ride from Auschwitz-Birkenau to JCC Krakow. This all takes place during the Jewish Culture Festival, which welcomes over 30,000 people and offers around 300 events each year.

The Ride was inspired by Robert Desmond, who rode his bicycle 1,350 miles (2,180 km) from London to Auschwitz, visiting WWII sites of liberation along his journey. After joining the JCC and learning about the rebirth of Krakow’s Jewish community, Robert realized his ride should not have ended in a place of loss, but rather at a place of hope - JCC Krakow. He then decided on finishing his ride, cycling from Auschwitz to the JCC Krakow, joined by members of the local Jewish community and friends from around the world.