Our partner Forum for Dialogue organized a seminar for us on December 12, 2024 that highlighted various aspects of dealing with antisemitism in today’s Poland. 

In the first session, Anna Zielińska, representative of CZULENT foundation, discussed historical and present forms of antisemitism in Poland.  Czulent is an NGO advocating social awareness about fighting, recognizing, and learning about modern forms of antisemitism in Poland. In her talk, she spoke about historic forms of antisemitism, past antisemitic events in Poland, and modern forms of antisemitism. In her presentation, she displayed informative charts, highlighting the findings of Czulent’s statistics: Roughly half of all reported antisemitic incidents were ascribed to modern antisemitism. She also pointed out the rise in the number of antisemitic incidents since October 7. There was a dramatic 800% increase in the number of incidents reported. She emphasized how difficult the situation in Poland has become in the current situation. After her talk, the participants asked questions. Overall, it was a very comprehensive and impressive presentation which gave important insights on dealing with hate crime in Poland today. 

After a short break, local examples of antisemitic occurrences were discussed by Larysa Michalska and Adam Musial, two members of the Forum for Dialogue Network. In her activist work, Larysa Michalska, an educator and project manager in non-governmental institutions, focuses on identity, Silesian Jewish history, culture, cultural heritage, the complexity of history, and difficult memory. Adam Musiał is a teacher, Holocaust educator, guide and translator of books and publications on the Holocaust and Jewish history. Both are activists of the network. First, Adam Musial spoke about his pedagogical approaches to teaching Jewish history and tackling antisemitism. Through the perspective of people who experienced antisemitism, he also opened the pupils’ eyes to antisemitism in mainstream society. Larysa Michalska, who works for the Max Kopfstein Association, presented a project in which the local community works on a site-specific basis, e.g. in connection with the restoration of Jewish cemeteries.  

Two points were important to both Adam and Larysa: Firstly, that the topic be closely linked to local history to help workshop participants develop a stronger understanding through personal involvement. Secondly, they criticized the fact that education about antisemitism lies in recognising antisemitic codes. Here, both strive to educate people about the different forms of antisemitism. For example, they addressed the fact that the folkloric motif of a money-counting Jew is still widespread and needs to be discussed together. This also applies to forms with a current reference. 

The third and final part of the program focused on having the participants engage in conversation. First, Verena Bunkus reported on the changed conditions at the GHWK after 7 October 2023. For example, antisemitism was more noticeable after the Hamas attack in entries in the guest book, in discussions during events and in vandalism to an exhibition. Afterwards, participants had the opportunity to engage in dialogue in four exchange rooms: What happened in your own institution, in your school? How did they deal with antisemitism?  

The seminar ended with thanks and feedback. The participants were also invited to take part in future events in Germany in 2025, which was well received. 

Agenda 

14.00 Session I:  Antisemitism in Poland. An Introduction 

Anna Zielińska, representative of CZULENT foundation, will discuss historical and present forms of antisemitism in Poland.  Afterwards Q&A. 

Czulent is an NGO advocating social awareness about fighting, recognizing, and learning about modern forms of antisemitism in Poland. 

Anna Zielińska is a lawyer and activist in Jewish organizations. She worked as an advisor on counteracting antisemitism at the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODHIR) and cooperated with the American Jewish Committee (AJC), AIPAC, and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). 

15.30 Session II:  Dealing with Antisemitism. Examples  

Local examples of antisemitic occurrences from the Forum for Dialogue Network. Afterwards Q&A. 

 Larysa Michalska is an educator and project manager in non-governmental institutions. She has a degree in Religious Studies and Jewish Studies from the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. In her activist work, Larysa focuses on identity, Silesian Jewish history and culture, cultural heritage, the complexity of history, and difficult memory. She has completed many training courses in communication, multicultural education, Holocaust education, as well as museum education. 

Adam Musiał is a teacher, Holocaust educator, guide and translator of books and publications on the Holocaust and Jewish history. He works with Yad Vashem, the Shoah Foundation, museums in Krakow and Warsaw, and other educational centers in Poland. In 2019, he was nominated for the POLIN Award. 

17.00 Session III: What changed after October 7? Challenges and Findings  

Open discussion with all participants about changes after October 7, 2023 in Poland and Germany