by tskzIn reference to the comments made by Grzegorz Braun during the presidential debate on 28 April 2025, we would like to express, on behalf of the members of the two largest and oldest organisations uniting Polish Jews i.e. the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland and the Union of Jewish Religious Communities in Poland, our strong disapproval and condemnation of the words spreading hate and prejudice against our community.
Regardless of any political or ideological differences that may stand between us, we call for respect and dialogue based on truth and mutual understanding. All public statements that may lead to discrimination are unacceptable, and contrary to the principles of tolerance and democracy that constitute the pillars of our society.
We would like to emphasise that we find all forms of hatred and intolerance very distressing, and in our opinion, they should never occur in Poland, which is also our homeland. We call on all public figures to act with mutual respect and responsibility.
Antisemitic statements made in public tend to infiltrate our daily reality very quickly. Public comments, provocations and stereotypes can spread through the mass media, and ultimately affect people’s attitudes and behaviours, reinforcing prejudice, discrimination and hatred towards the Jewish community. It is worth emphasising that responsible and mindful public discourse is crucial to preventing this from happening, and promote tolerance and respect across the society.
However, it is also worth recalling that Grzegorz Braun’s previous anti-Semitic statements and actions have still not been met with adequate legal consequences. This situation indeed raises our deep concern and fear, as well as questions about the state institutions’ effectiveness in preventing hate speech, which turns into direct attacks.
In view of the above, we expect the competent authorities to take immediate steps in order to clarify the matter, and punish those responsible for hateful remarks which undermine the fundamental values of our community. We hope that the authorities will take a firm stance against antisemitic and discriminatory acts, and that all applicable legal provisions are effectively enforced, especially in view of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which the Polish government adopted as its official policy in a statement issued by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in 2021.
We would also like to express our gratitude to the participants of the debate, Ms Magdalena Biejat and Mr Rafał Trzaskowski, who were the only ones to react immediately to Grzegorz Braun’s statements. Your timely and strong response is extremely important to us. It is essential that we work together to oppose such narratives and promote positive values.
The Governing Bodies of the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland and the Union of Jewish Religious Communities in Poland:
Artur Hofman- Chair Klara Kołodziejska – Połtyn – Chair
Klaudia Klimek – Deputy Chair Alicja Kobus – Deputy Chair
Teresa Ewa Prończuk – Secretary Włodzimierz Kac – Deputy Chair
Helena Grzebień – Treasurer Michał Samet – Board Member
Marek Michnowski – Board Member Tomasz Rosłoński – Board Member
Michał Świdowski – Board Member Maciej Narkiewicz – Jodko – Board Member
Albert Stankowski – Board Member Helena Jakubowicz – Board Member
Aleksander Rotsztejn – Board Member Anna Lazarek – Board Member
Jacek Młynarski – Board Member
