News related to Poland
The European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) is aware of recent public activities and statements associated with Beit Polska concerning the commemoration of the massacre of Jews in Jedwabne on 10 July 1941. Publicly available reports indicate participation by representatives of Beit Polska in events promoting interpretations of these events that are rejected by the mainstream historical consensus and by much of the organised Jewish community.
The EUPJ reaffirms its commitment to historical truth, responsible remembrance, and the dignity of those who were murdered. The overwhelming body of historical research, including findings accepted by leading scholars and public institutions, has concluded that the massacre in Jedwabne was carried out by local Poles under German occupation.
The positions recently advanced by Beit Polska do not reflect the views of the EUPJ and should not be understood as representing Progressive Judaism in Europe.
The EUPJ further notes that Beit Polska’s status within our organisational structures is currently subject to governance review. Pending completion of that process, no public statement or activity undertaken by Beit Polska should be regarded as carrying the endorsement of the EUPJ.
Progressive Judaism is founded on integrity, accountability, and a commitment to confronting history honestly, even when doing so is difficult. We stand in solidarity with those who seek to preserve the memory of the victims of Jedwabne and to ensure that this history is neither distorted nor denied.
