Poland and the Holocaust

Answer

That is an excellent question. I believe that there are two perspectives, and although they may seem contradictory, I believe that both are true at the same time.

1) There can be no question that antisemitism of any kind must be condemned and scorned. That is true whether in Poland or any other part of the world. It is difficult to single out a particular people or nation, as much of Europe was indifferent if not complicit in the horrors of the Holocaust. Even after the atrocities of the Holocaust, antisemitism was rampant (survivors tell of going back to their hometown only to be greeted with such niceties as “They didn’t kill you?”), and continues to this very day, even in lands where the Jewish presence is minimal. We cannot ignore nor cannot condone Polish antisemitism, both in the past and in the present.

2) On the other hand, there is another perspective. The Jewish people have always been marked by a sense of appreciation, even when the motives were tainted, and the experience lacking. Our Rabbis teach that the Egyptians are due a measure of appreciation for allowing us to live in their land for over 200 years — albeit as slaves and at their mercy. We are a people that show gratitude. The Jews maintained a strong presence in Poland for over 600 years. To varying degrees, the Jews were able to thrive and prosper and, at times, welcomed in Poland. In fact, the Jews used to say that Poland was a contraction for two Hebrew words — Po Lin — which means “Rest here”, as Poland was for a while, a land where the Jews could find relative rest. [The contraction also expressed their feeling that Poland would only be a place for temporary rest, as Jewish tradition considers Jews outside of Israel to be in temporary exile from their land – ed.] From this perspective, we owe a debt of gratitude to Poland for the successes and growth the Jewish people experienced while settled in Poland.

Be well,
Rabbi Yoel Spotts