A little over a decade ago, Michael Traison initiated an annual ceremony honoring non-Jewish Poles who have committed themselves to various projects related to the preservation of Jewish culture and heritage in Poland. Over the years, many people were awarded by the Ambassador of Israel to Poland. It was a great honour for those who were awarded with diplomas. Some of them, for the first time, could feel that their work and devotion were noticed by such eminent people and institutions, although, of course, none of the volunteers did the work for diplomas, awards or any kind of recognition. In the words of Prof. Szewach Weiss, the former Israeli Ambassador in Poland, those volunteers who, on their own initiative, put a great effort in saving Jewish heritage are “the third generation of the Righteous”. This is the greatest distinction that could be given to them, modest people from little towns. They would never dare to refer to ourselves in such a way. This title can be given only to the bravest, only to the men and women with the largest of hearts.
THE RECIPIENTS
Numerous conferences and symposiums related to Jewish issues have been held in Poland over the years. They are usually directed to researchers or people who are engaged in the issue professionally – mainly Polish academics. Never before has there been a conference organized for those who actually preserve Jewish heritage. Therefore, we had no chance to meet each other to share our experiences or the challenges we are facing. And yet, as a collective with a lot of knowledge, other people could learn how to preserve our common heritage.
OVERALL IDEA OF THE PROJECT
Kamila Klauzińska is the author and the initiator of the project. In 2005, Kamila received an award from the Israeli Embassy in Poland honoring her work in preserving Jewish heritage in the country. Thus, she decided to organize a meeting dedicated to the people who take care of Jewish heritage in Poland. Such a conference is going to be held every two years in a different place. The authorities of the particular towns where the volunteers work will be engaged in projects aimed at the preservation of our common heritage and help in the organization of conferences and the accompanying events.
A person who works for the preservation of Jewish heritage in the host town will be the main coordinator of a particular conference. Every second year, the participants will have a chance to get to know the history of the host town, its landmarks and Jewish heritage. The host can freely organize accompanying events such as exhibitions, youth meetings, etc.
We expect each conference will provide an opportunity to exchange information about the current image of Jewish heritage in Poland and its preservation. We hope it will significantly encourage public attention to the many very important – and hard-working – volunteers and that it will help involve all levels of the local government in our activities.
