More than 1000 years of Polish-Jewish history

The Australian Society of Polish Jews & their Descendants (ASPJ), in conjunction with the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, and facilitated by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, recently hosted a lecture entitled “The Revival of Jewish Life in Poland After 1989”, delivered by Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Minister Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski.

A large and engaged audience heard Bartoszewski present an overview of the more than 1000-year history of Polish-Jewish relations, emphasising the importance of preserving historical memory and strengthening dialogue between the Polish and Jewish communities. Bartoszewski highlighted some of the remarkable developments and growth, since 1989, of the new generation of Jewish communities in Poland.

Following the lecture, the documentary The Granddaughter, produced by the Warsaw Ghetto Museum, was screened. The film offered an emotional reflection on the power and impact of individual choices, even under trying circumstances.

President of the ASPJ, Ezra May, closed the event commenting that, despite the devastation of the Holocaust, the traditions of Polish-Jewish life endure in communities like Melbourne, and are now also revived in Poland.

Bartoszewski met and engaged in discussion with many members of the audience who appreciated his knowledge and commitment to defend and strengthen Israel and Jewish communities throughout Poland and internationally.