A Community of Changemakers
In 2017 Forum has introduced new funding opportunities for Leaders of Dialogue to pursue projects either aimed at establishing relations with descendants of Jews from their towns or create permanent commemoration of the local Jewish heritage that leads to a greater awareness of that history locally.
One of the projects made possible thanks to the funding was “Reading Ashes. Following the Footsteps of Dąbrowa’s Jews”, a multi-faceted enterprise lead by Dorota Budzińska, a Leader of Dialogue active in Dąbrowa Białostocka.
Thanks to her tireless efforts and suport of local authorities, in June 2018 the “Kaddish for Dąbrowa Białostocka” exhibition of 18 prints created by Mark Podwal, inspired by his visit to his family town, was unveiled. The exhibition opening was attended by the artist himself, as well as two descendants of Dąbrowa’s Jews: Kiki Harary née Mowshowitz, great-granddaughter of Dąbrowa’s rabbi Moshe Gershon Mowshowitz, and Michael Nevins, author of Dąbrowa’s memorial book, who has been involved in the restoration of the Jewish cemetery there. The opening was accompanied by other events, including the book launch of the Mark Podwal’s album, “Kaddish for Dąbrowa Białostocka” copies of which the author donated to Leaders of Dialogue, as well as art workshops, and a historical tour of the town lead by School of Dialogue students.
In his moving speach, Michael Nevins spoke about the importance of the ceremony: “It’s been said that ‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.’ However, educational programs like those that are being led here in Dabrowa by Dorota, as well as similar ones in many other towns, are evidence that everyone is not standing idly by.”
Another supported project, “Zbąszyń’s Days of Open Arms”, is led by Anita Rucioch-Gołek, a Leader of Dialogue from Zbąszyń.
It was by accident that Anita Rucioch-Gołek learned about Isabella Webber, a German-born Polish Jew transported to Zbąszyń as part of the Nazi 1938 Polenaktion expelling all Polish Jews residing in German territory. Sent to her family in Zbąszyń, Isabelle survived because together with other Jewish kids, she was shipped to Great Britain, where she remained ever since. Though never interested in coming back to Germany, she wanted to return to Zbąszyń, but was anxious about visiting the town where she no longer knew anyone. A chance meeting with a Zbąszyń local lead to her meeting Anita and finally to a visit in what was once Isabelle’s hometown.
Isabelle and her son, Chaim, received a warm welcome in Zbąszyń thanks to the efforts of Forum’s Leader, Anita, and the incredible group of dedicated people she collected around herself, such as the Mayor of the town, a former student and a School of Dialogue participant, as well as friends and family. The Webbers’ short stay, made possible by a Forum for Dialogue scholarship for Leaders of Dialogue, had a very intense itinerary filled with site visits and meetings, but most importantly numerous opportunities for Zbąszynians to interact with her guests.
One of Forum’s core missions is making new connections. We are happy that we could help Anita and Isabelle connect in such a meaningful way.
Project financed by the Ledor Wador Foundation.
