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Dear Friends
Our history is rich in events some of which we can be proud of, and some which are a cause of shame.
One of the difficult recurring historical themes are the Polish – Jewish relations. There are many myths that are associated with this theme, myths, which tend to obscure the truth rather than illuminate it.
Jews have not found their lives easy anywhere on the globe. There are many reasons for this – it is not my role to list or explain them. Poland in the past was not a heaven for Jews, but in many different times, marked by racial strife and intolerance, Jewish elders considered Poland to be their ‘promised land.’
I lived for 16 years in Krakow’s Kazimierz – the Jewish quarter. I knew there every corner, every place suitable for a child’s adventures. I felt there something special, something particular, which I did not yet understand. A quarter of the century after moving away, I came back again on Kazimierz’ Szeroka Street.
On the same spot where I used to play ball as a child, there was a stage on which Jewish musicians from all over the world sang Klezmer songs.
The final concert of The Festival of Jewish Culture in Krakow was just taking place there. It was an unusual concert, unlike any others. The whole Szeroka Street was full of spectators. There were Polish Jews there and Catholics, many who were visitors from abroad. A very special event took place at that concert – both Catholics and Jews united in a dance, as if to honor their common culture and history, against those who state that such brotherhood is impossible.
A year later, in July 2000, I
visited Szeroka Street again. I was convinced that nothing
else can surprise me. However, I was overcome by the warmth
and unity between participants and spectators of The Festival.
trans. Joanna Shier
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