25 young Poles discover Jewish roots in Israel
Twenty-five young Polish Jews, many of whom have only
recently discovered their Jewish roots, arrived in Israel this week for a
special seminar organized by Shavei Israel, an organization that aims to
strengthen the connection between descendants of Jews and the State of Israel
and the Jewish people.
The participants, between the ages of 18-35, most of whom
were raised Catholic, came from a variety of cities throughout Poland,
primarily Krakow, Katowice, Warsaw, Przemysl and Gdansk. For many it marks
their first time visiting Israel.
“There is a growing thirst among young Poles with Jewish
roots to learn more about their Jewish religious and cultural heritage,” said
Shavei Israel Chairman Michael Freund.
“This awakening would have been unthinkable just 25 or 30
years ago, but since the downfall of Communism, an increasing number of Poles
have sought to reclaim and affirm their Jewish identity. We owe it to them to
assist them in any way that we can.”
Freund added that, “with the start of the new Jewish year
just a few weeks away, it is fitting that these young Poles have come to Israel
to rekindle their bond with the Jewish people. They represent the future of
Polish Jewry, which despite decades of suffering and persecution is now
beginning to thrive.
"There can be no sweeter revenge for what was done
to us seven decades ago in Poland than to reconnect as many of these young
Polish Jews as possible with Israel and the Jewish people.”
The unique program, which is run by Shavei Israel’s team
of Polish-speaking rabbis and educators, is designed to assist them in
discovering more about their Jewish roots and learning more about ancient and
modern-day Israel.
Among the topics that will be covered are the laws of
Shabbat; the upcoming festivals of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkot; and
“Keeping kosher in a non-kosher world.” Participants will also study the weekly
Torah portion that is read in synagogue.
The young Poles will also get a chance to tour various
sites in Israel such as Masada and the Dead Sea. The group will also visit the
Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem and explore the Western Wall
tunnels.
Currently, there are approximately 4,000 Jews registered
as living in Poland, but experts suggest there may be tens of thousands of
other Jews in Poland who to this day are either hiding their identities or are
simply unaware of their family heritage.
In recent years, a growing number of such people,
popularly known as the "Hidden Jews of Poland", have begun to return
to Judaism and to the Jewish people.
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