On the afternoon of Sunday, 26 April 2026, the Tempel Synagogue in Kraków’s Kazimierz district hosted a moving concert of gratitude titled The Saved: “They saved our lives and preserved our faith in humanity.” The event honored the Righteous Among the Nations—those who, during the Holocaust, found the courage to say no to hatred and risk everything to save others. The concert was conceived and organized by Kuba Rympel, a member of our community who has long been dedicated to honoring the Righteous by commemorating their deeds in many meaningful ways. The guest of honor was Ms. Janina Rościszewska—one of the last three Righteous still living in Kraków. The families of the Righteous were also in attendance. The evening was attended by distinguished guests, including Ms. Gretchen Cureton, Consul General…
Announcement of recruitment for the position of Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland (FODŻ) March 30, 2026 The Board of the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland (FODŻ) is seeking a Director for the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland. The position is open to candidates from all over Poland, with particular emphasis on those based in Krakow or Warsaw, as these are the locations where the work will most often be performed. The Foundation’s office is located in Krakow, so a candidate based elsewhere will be required to travel to Krakow regularly. Travel to other parts of the country will also be necessary . Anyone interested in the Foundation’s work and with relevant experience is asked to…
On 13 April 1986, Pope John Paul II made a historic visit to the Great Synagogue of Rome, where he was welcomed by the Chief Rabbi of Rome, Elio Toaff. This marked the first time since the era of St Peter that a pope had entered a synagogue. In the address he delivered on that occasion, John Paul II spoke these significant words: “The Church condemns hatred, persecution, and every form of anti-Semitism directed against Jews—at any time and by anyone. I repeat: by anyone.” From the standpoint of historically strained relations between Jews and Christians, it was a landmark moment, and the words spoken on that occasion continue to resonate to this day with all who are deeply committed to dialogue and reconciliation. Exactly forty years later, on 13…