by tskzThe jubilee year was marked by a series of cultural, educational, social and historical events which took place in various Polish cities and towns and culminated in the Jubilee Gala and concert commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Social and Cultural Society of Jews in Poland, which were held on 24 October at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
The Gala commenced with an official address delivered by Magdalena Majsterkiewicz who hosted the event, and screening of the video devoted to our 75-year history.
The round of speeches was opened by Artur Hofman, Chairman the TSKŻ, who said: “The secular nature of our organisation, combined with the dedication to our language and tradition and pride in our centuries-old heritage makes the TSKŻ an entity that brings together different people, different generations and different cultures in an ambience of respect, openness and zest for life, which is so beautifully expressed by our heritage […] Tonight we are full of joy and we would like to share this moment of joy with all of you. When I am looking ahead into the future, I firmly believe that the coming 75 years of the TSKŻ will be equally creative, and that subsequent generations will be inspired to work for the benefit of our community”.
Representatives of central and local authorities and our partner institutions also appeared on stage.
Minister Wojciech Kolarski presented the Chairman with a Polish flag, along with a dedicatory note from the current president, Karol Nawrocki, and read a letter written on his behalf: “The white and red flag is one of the most prominent symbols of our national unity […] It is also an expression of appreciation for your efforts aimed at preserving Jewish heritage in Poland, which is an integral part of our national, as well as a token of gratitude for your endeavours to cherish the memory of Polish Jews and promote Jewish culture today”.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski emphasised in his speech the importance of cooperation between institutions and stressed how crucial it is not to be indifferent: “Thanks to the collaboration between the TSKŻ and diplomatic missions, cultural institutions, and Jewish organisations from all over the world, Poland is perceived as Poland is perceived as a venue where the memory of a shared, yet complicated and very long history spanning over a thousand years is combined with openness to the future […] However, I cannot ignore what the Chairman has already mentioned: it is true that we have disgusting, nasty, anti-Semitic content on the internet, both in niche media and even in public discourse. The conduct of certain members of the Polish Parliament, such as Grzegorz Braun, who has recently been charged by the prosecutor’s office, is absolutely unacceptable and shameful for our political class and our nation. Such cases must be condemned, prosecuted and, hopefully, duly penalized.”.
Wiesław Kołodziejski, acting on behalf of Adam Struzik, Marshal of the Masovian Voivodeship, presented the Association with the Pro Masovia medal, the highest marshal’s award, which is granted to individuals and institutions that have contributed to the economic, cultural or social development of Masovia. “I am glad that I was granted honorary patronage over this unique project, and that the Local Government of the Mazovia Voivodeship became its co-author – reads a quote from a letter from Marshal Struzik – The history of the Jewish nation is inextricably linked to that of our country […] Your biggest and oldest organisation in post-war Poland has been operating continuously since 1950 […] It is thanks to your commitment that the Jewish tradition, language and heritage are not only protected, but also present in the public mind”.
Speeches were also given by: Co-Chair of the Joint Commission of the Government and National Minorities [KWRiMNiE] Grzegorz Kuprianowicz, from whom Artur Hofman received a bilingual edition – Ukrainian and Jewish – of Taras Shevchenko’s poems, Executive Director of the European March of the Living Michel Gourary, and President of the Association of Jewish Combatants and Victims of World War II Jan Okulicz.
We also had the opportunity to listen to greetings straight from Stockholm from Leon Weintraub, a Holocaust survivor: “On this anniversary of the establishment of the TSKŻ, I would like to offer you my heartfelt wishes for continued fruitful activity, especially in these times in which we are now living. I would like to offer Mr Artur Hofman my warmest wishes. Your role today is of great importance.” The representatives of the Polish Association of the Righteous Among Nations also offered their warm wishes: “On the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland, we offer our best wishes for continued success and fruitful activity to our trusted friends and sponsors”.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of our anniversary Gala was the presentation of the ‘Meritorious for the TSKŻ’ medals. The honorary distinctions were handed over by Chairman Artur Hofman and Secretary of the Board Ewa Prończuk to those of our activists and members who have been most involved in the Association’s activities in recent years, including: Krystyna Budnicka, Henryk Brand, Nadzieja Cholod-Efros, Sabina Chrapek, Helena Grzebień, Paweł Grabiec, Renata Henkelman, Magdalena Jureńczyk, Hanna Katz, Leon Kelcz, Adam Klimek, Klaudia Klimek, Natasza Konar, Róża Król, Anna Lazarek, Marek Michnowski, Jacek Młynarski, Maria Myszkowska, Juliusz Ursyn-Niemcewicz, Edward Odoner, Helena Primik, Aleksander Rotsztejn, Izabela Sobańska-Klekowska, Regina Stróżyk, Izabela Szpacenko, Wiktoria Tryścień and Tamara Włodarczyk.
During the exceptional concert “The Melodies of Generations – Di melodjes fun dojres” the audience had an opportunity to listen to a number of Polish evergreens and traditional Jewish tunes, combining together Polish and Jewish words. The repertoire included popular hits composed or performed by Jewish musicians such as Tych lat nie odda nikt [No One Will Give Back Those Years] composed by Wladyslaw Szpilman, or Kasztany [Chestnuts] and Baja-bongo sung by Natasza Zylska, as well as classical Jewish songs such as Hawa nagila and Le chaim, which prompted the audience to jump up and dance. The new musical interpretations, arranged by Tomasz Bielski, have given these pieces a fresh vigour.
A number of exceptional artists appeared on stage i.e. Katarzyna Dąbrowska, a singer, theatre, cinema and TV actress, Olivia Ohl-Szulik, an opera singer, Jakub Szydłowski, an actor known for musical, theatre and dubbing productions and Tomasz Bielski Jazz Orchestra. The event was hosted by the well-known and popular actor, presenter and singer Jacek Kawalec.
The audience rewarded the artists with a standing ovation. Words of appreciation and gratitude flowed from the hall for the extraordinary musical experience, which will linger long in the listeners’ memories.
25 October2025
The second day of celebrations commenced with a get-together for members. The TSKŻ’s members from all over the country gathered together inside the Club in Warsaw. The mini-reunion began with a welcome speech delivered by Chairman Artur Hofman. During this time, the branch chairpersons received small gifts from the Main Board. At the integration meeting, the conversation flowed easily, almost spontaneously. The table was laden with fish appetisers, hummus and homemade cakes. The atmosphere of the event was unique – full of warmth, memories and emotions.
On the same day at 6:00 PM, a banquet was held at the Novotel in Warsaw, to which members of the TSKŻ from all branches in Poland, representatives of state and local authorities, and friendly institutions were invited. The evening was full of joy and friendly conversation. The guests sat down at beautifully laid tables, which were laden with dishes reflecting the rich tradition of Jewish cuisine. The proverbial icing on the cake was the serving of a jubilee cake, whose appearance and taste delighted the participants.
Apart from the festive treats, the guests were also invited to a real music feast. Joanna Stefańska-Matraszek performed on stage, accompanied by Janusz Tylman. Jerzy Grunwald’s concert came as a surprise to everyone, and his greatest hits got our guests dancing. This unique meeting could not have ended differently than with everyone singing the joyful song Hawa nagila, initiated by Henryk Rajfer.
Provided under the honorary patronage of Adam Struzik, Marshal of the Mazovian Voivodeship
The event was co-funded by the authorities of the Mazovian Voivodeship
The project was subsidised by the Ministry of Interior and Administration
The concert Melodie Pokoleń – Di melodjes fun dojres was funded in the framework of the EU’s instrument Union NextGeneration EU as part of the National Recovery Plan(KPO) #funduszeeuropejskie #nextgenerationeu
