Polish Jews forward focus
WITH the goal of understanding the past and working towards a better future, the Australian Society of Polish Jews and their Descendants (ASPJ) will next week host an expert in Polish-Jewish relations.
WITH the goal of understanding the past and working towards a better future, the Australian Society of Polish Jews and their Descendants (ASPJ) will next week host an expert in Polish-Jewish relations.
As well as pursuing a medical career as head of the hematology department at a Krakow Hospital, Professor Aleksander Skotnicki has devoted his life to the study of Polish-Jewish history and reconciliation.
“Prof Skotnicki is a Renaissance man, a scientist, an intellectual and a historian, well-known on the international stage,” ASPJ president Bernard Korbman told The AJN.
“[He] is a prime living example of the 900 years of interwoven history of non-Jewish Poles and Polish Jews in Poland through his research and writings on Polish Jewry, and in particular of Krakow Jewry.
While not Jewish himself, Prof Skotnicki’s grandmother is listed among Poland’s Righteous Among the Nations at Yad Vashem, having hidden two Jewish women during the war.
His visit marks an evolution in the ASPJ’s focus. Formerly the World Federation of Polish Jews, the organisation was originally founded as a self-help group for Polish Holocaust survivors and their families, but this focus has naturally changed with the community’s needs.
“The organisation is still relevant today, as quite a number of children and grandchildren of Polish Holocaust survivors are wanting to learn more about and understand their family history better. To do this properly, we feel we can help through the contacts and relationships we have developed both here in Australia and in Poland itself,” Korbman explained.
In addition to educating local Jews about the former Polish community, the ASPJ connects with the rejuvenated Jewish community emerging in the former Jewish heartland. The organisation also serves to connect the Jews and Poles living in Australia.
“One of the raison d’etre for our organisation must be to bring the younger generations of Australian Poles and Australian Jews closer together, to overcome the stereotypes that have become entrenched in both communities,” he said. “We know that from the highest diplomatic levels, from the Israeli Ambassador and the Polish Ambassador down, this action is being encouraged.”
Prof Aleksander Skotnicki will address the ASPJ on Sunday, October 31, 7.30pm at Kadimah Elsternwick. Enquiries: www.polishjews.org.au.
DALIA SABLE
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