Page 18 - Issue 22

private conversation with them. However, they reminded me
that the others would have different reactions. Regardless of
my feelings I held, I knew I had to be there for my kvutza.
Considering this is Poland, this would be a direct learning
experience since the tragedies of WWII linger strongly
across the country. I was ready to step into the fog.

We arrived at the airport, outside of Warsaw, where we then
took a bus down to Krakow. We have left the beautiful, warm
weather of Israel and entered the cold, dimmer world of
Poland. It had to endure destruction by both German and
Soviet powers, and witness the tragic death of millions. Yet
with so much misery, heroism was demonstrated by those
who were willing to fight.

We first learned about the history of the Jewish community
in Poland when we toured the historic district of Kazimierz.
For centuries, it developed a unique culture that represented
coexistence. Anti semitism took a strong hold and the Jews
faced many pogroms. The community still exists and a
handful of Jews refused to make Aliyah, despite the
establishment of the State of Israel. One of the synagogues
in Kazimierz was called the Tempel Synagogue. It had a
ceiling of ornate gold stars, Moorish decoration and a dome-
shaped marble ark. It was a jaw dropping moment, seeing
such richly designed architecture for a synagogue that
survived over a century. It's a nice representation for the
surviving Jews that remained in Poland after WWII. They did
not want to abandon the long history of the Jewish
community in Poland. Day one of Poland and I felt content,
especially since family members who were a part of Jewish
life in Poland and Russia. This was the beginning. However,
I knew that this was the beginning and we would travel to
our first concentration camp the next day.