How would you describe Polish media coverage of Jews and Israel?
The media are sometimes critical of Israel in a way that is in line with some Israeli voices. You rarely hear any of the extreme anti-Israel rhetoric that has become so widespread in other European countries. In general, the Poles have a very deep respect for Israel. Poles are surrounded by historical enemies that greatly outnumber them and so they are inspired by Israel, a much smaller country surrounded by an even greater number of enemies and yet has a vibrant cultural, economic, and religious life.
While many Poles risked and even lost their lives sheltering Jews during World War II – more Poles have been honored by Yad Vashem as “Righteous Among the Nations” than any other nationality – Poland nevertheless has a troubling history of anti-Semitism. Has the situation changed, and if so, how?
It has changed dramatically. The rise of vicious anti-Semitism in Poland grew in the late 19th century and reached its peak just before World War II; for centuries before that, Poland was very open to Jews. The big change away from anti-Semitism is due to the teachings of John Paul II, who of course was Polish and the first pope to declare anti-Semitism as a sin in the Catholic Church.
How is the Jewish community in Poland weathering the rise of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment in Europe?
It has not touched Poland. We do not have a significant Muslim population and the indigenous Muslims are Tatars, with whom we have a very positive relationship. Today it is much safer to be a Jew in Warsaw than in Paris or Budapest.
Do Jews need to hide any symbolism of their identity in Poland, like not wearing a kippah in public?
Jews wear kippot, Jewish stars, t-shirts with Hebrew writing. There is no need to hide. This is not France.
Has the Jewish community in Poland implemented any special programs to enhance safety or combat anti-Semitism?
We are working with the Polish authorities and NGOs to monitor and combat anti-Semitism.
What kind of support from other countries or Jewish organizations would you welcome to help fight anti-Semitism?
We need more help in building Yiddishkeit and teaching shiurim. That is where we need help. When a Jew visits Poland, he or she has the obligation to stop by and give us chizuk, a kind word of encouragement, to let us know we are needed and wanted by the Jewish world.
What is the outlook in terms of Jews in Poland emigrating to Israel?
A good portion of our most committed Jews do make aliyah.
What do you see as the future for Jews in Poland – both ideally and realistically?
My role as rabbi is to teach and guide Jews to do more mitzvot. Over the past 25 years I have seen many more Jews doing many more mitzvot. I do not know what the future will hold but we have hope that more and more Jews will do more and more mitzvot.
If you were to send a message to the Jews of the world, what would it be?
World War II almost destroyed Polish Jewry after 1,000 years, but a tiny remnant of Jewish people remained and today they want to be part of the Jewish world. We are the ud mutzal me‘esh referred to in the book of Zechariah – a brand plucked from the fire.
Don’t forget us!