Our 2024 Poland Personally Begins!
As we embark on a poignant voyage through Jewish history, the Holocaust, and the enduring struggle against antisemitism, our hearts are heavy with the weight of remembrance and the promise of understanding. Welcome to the Poland Personally Study Seminar, where we unravel the threads of the past to weave a tapestry of empathy, education, and empowerment.
This year’s cohort is a testament to the power of collective learning and shared humanity. Alongside a remarkable 95-year-old Holocaust survivor, we are joined by 46 educators, 5 students, 7 community change-makers, scholars, and staff. Together, we form a diverse mosaic of voices united in our commitment to honor the memory of those who perished, to amplify the voices of survivors, and to confront the specter of antisemitism with unwavering resolve.
As we traverse the haunting landscapes where the echoes of history linger, let us not shy away from the darkness that once engulfed these lands. Instead, let us bear witness to the resilience of the human spirit, the indomitable will to survive, and the enduring power of hope in the face of unspeakable horrors.
For our educators, this is an opportunity to delve beyond the textbooks and into the lived experiences of those who bore witness to history’s darkest chapter. It is a chance to impart not just knowledge but empathy, to instill in our students a deep-seated commitment to stand against bigotry and hatred in all its forms.
For our students, this is a journey of discovery and reckoning, a chance to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past and forge a future rooted in understanding and compassion. It is an invitation to walk in the footsteps of those who came before us, to carry their stories forward as beacons of light in a world too often shrouded in darkness.
For our community change-makers, this is an opportunity to bridge the gap between past and present, to translate the lessons of history into action, and to build a more just and inclusive society for future generations. It is a call to confront the rising tide of antisemitism with courage and conviction, to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Jewish brothers and sisters in solidarity and support.
And for our scholars and staff, this is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to truth and justice, to scholarship that not only informs but inspires, that not only educates but empowers. It is a reminder that the legacy of the Holocaust is not just a chapter in history books but a living testament to the enduring human capacity for both unimaginable cruelty and boundless compassion.
As we journey through the heartache and the hope of Jewish history, let us do so with open minds and open hearts. Let us honor the memory of those who perished by ensuring that their stories are never forgotten, that their voices are never silenced. And let us draw strength from the resilience of survivors, the wisdom of elders, and the unwavering belief that even in the darkest of times, the light of humanity still shines bright.
Together, let us march forward with courage and conviction, guided by the timeless values of justice, compassion, and solidarity. For in the words of Elie Wiesel, “to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.” Let us, therefore, remember, and in our remembrance, let us find the courage to build a world where hatred has no home, and where the lessons of history serve as a beacon of hope for generations to come.