Between March 15 and 22, 2009, Forum of Dialogue, in cooperation with the American Jewish Committee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Consulate of the Republic of Poland in New York, organized a study visit for ten students from the prominent American universities including Columbia University, Jewish Theological Seminary, Princeton University, Tufts University and New York University.

The aim of the program was to educate young Jews about the history of Polish-Jewish relations, as well as the current state of affairs. The visit was also an opportunity to get to know their Polish peers, establish personal relationships and confront the complicated past. The program also allowed participants to meet with prominent journalists, scholars, politicians and members of Poland’s Jewish community.

An important feature was a workshop for young Jews and Poles on the topic of Polish-Jewish relations. The workshop approached the questions of Jewish settlement in Poland, anti-Semitism, Polish and Jewish experience of the Second World War and the Holocaust, the interaction of Polish and Jewish culture, and the current Polish-Israeli affairs. Students also discussed the postwar history of Polish Jews, questions of historical responsibility and the current discourse concerning that subject matter. Another equally important issue concerned the Jewish revival in Poland, as well as the efforts to preserve the memory of Polish Jews.

For many of the participants this was the first trip to the country of their ancestors. Therefore, it was an opportunity to explore their roots and confront their ideas of Poland with reality.

The visit in Poland was a very inspiring experience. The well-crafted program showed us Poland through the eyes of Poles, allowing us to fully understand this country’s history and culture. We were allowed to draw our own conclusions about Poland, and the organizers made sure that we had access to educational materials and meetings with experts, maximizing the value of our trip. I also appreciate the hospitality of Poles with whom we traveled and shared our experience. For me it was also an opportunity to explore my family history and the history of Jews in Poland.

Workshops participant