by tskzAfter World War II, the majority of the surviving Jews had an impression that they cannot hope for a bright future in Europe. They aspired to have their own homeland, where they would no longer be a national minority. Their dreams came true on 14 May 1948, when the State of Israel was established. This year marks the 77th anniversary of that event. To commemorate this occasion, the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland prepared for its members across the country a series of meetings, and agendas full of highlights.
WARSAW
On 11 May, a concert titled “World of Jewish Orient” was held at the Babel Club to commemorate the 77th Anniversary of the State of Israel. The Sunday concert of oriental music was a true feast for both the senses and the spirit. The artists carried the audience into the fascinating world of Middle Eastern music. The virtuosity of the instrumentalists i.e. accordionist Piotr Kopietz and percussionist Arad Emamghol, who played oriental instruments, and the charismatic vocals of Maria Roma Klatka left the audience in a state of enchantment. Each song was a story imbued with spirituality and passion. The audience responded enthusiastically, and the standing ovation was the best proof of the lasting impression left by the performance. It was a unique encounter with culture that will remain in our memories for long to come!
WROCŁAW
On 17 May, a festive event commemorating the 77th Anniversary of the State of Israel was held at the headquarters of the Wrocław branch of TSKŻ. The guests had an opportunity to enjoy a deeply moving musical repertoire prepared for the occasion by Sylwia Najah and Marcin Adamczyk. Moreover, all event participants were also offered some refreshments.
DZIERŻONIÓW
To mark this year’s anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, the Klezmerado band from Wałbrzych performed at the TSKŻ branch in Dzierżoniów. The event was attended by the Association’s local members and supporters.
SZCZECIN
On 12 May, members of TSKŻ Szczecin celebrated the 77th Anniversary of the State of Israel. On this occasion, Chairwoman Róża Król read an article about the current demographic condition of the Jewish state. Teresa Wrońska and Henryk Rajfer presented the artistic side of the event by performing ‘Melodies of Israel’. The guests were also treated to light refreshments.
GDAŃSK
TSKŻ Gdańsk put together two anniversary events which took place on 13 and 18 May. During these events, Roman Nieczyporowski PhD delivered his lecture called ‘Overcoming adversity. On the 77th anniversary of the State of Israel.’Karol Kołodziej spoke to the audience about the national symbols of Israel. The artistic part of the event featured a performance by Izabela Sankowska.
ŁÓDŹ (KATOWICE, CZĘSTOCHOWA, GLIWICE)
On 25 May, a picnic held at the domicile of TSKŻ Łódź, attracted many members from Łódź, Katowice, Częstochowa, Gliwice, Gdańsk and Warsaw. The assembled guests were welcomed by Chairwoman Magdalena Jureńczyk, who also spoke about the history of the State of Israel. Musical entertainment was provided by the Smokhin Band and DJ Grzegorz Fajngold. The picnic had a family and community feel to it. The participants had the opportunity to visit stands offering traditional Israeli dishes, such as hummus, falafel and sweet pastries. The event’s co-organiser was the Jewish Religious Community in Łódź.
BIELSKO-BIAŁA
On 21 May, a concert was held in Bielsko-Białka to commemorate the 77th Anniversary of the State of Israel. Artists from Kubiszówka treated the audience to songs from the musical ‘Once Upon a Time in Bielice’, which recounted the multicultural history of the town. The musical programme also included songs with lyrics by Julian Tuwim and music composed by Zygmunt Konieczny.
KRAKÓW
The Literary Café in Krakow hosted an event to celebrate this year’s anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. The programme included a lecture by Prof. Andrzej Młynarski, a presentation by Klaudia Klimek on research into anti-Semitism in Europe, and a music event featuring DJ Eques and DJ Ciq Paul.
CZĘSTOCHOWA
On 21 May, Danuta Stankiewicz performed at the TSKŻ club in Częstochowa, accompanied by Piotr Kubacki. The agenda of the 77th Anniversary celebrations also included Jakub Chojecki’s lecture on Israeli cuisine, which was complemented by the tasting of Middle Eastern food.
WAŁBRZYCH
On 19 May, an event commemorating the 77th Anniversary of the State of Israel was held in Wałbrzych. Robert Delegiewicz recounted the history of the Jewish state to attendees and, together with Paweł Słuczyński, presented a concert of Jewish film music.
All events were made possible thanks to a grant provided by the Ministry of Interior and Administration.
