The Formation of Polish Identity and Ways in Which Poles Have Attempted to Confront the Holocaust Since 1944

Submitted by Karen Murphy

Dr Antony Polonsky, Albert Abramson Professor of Holocaust Studies at Brandeis University and Chief Historian of the Permanent Exhibit of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, spoke to us about the complexity of Polish Identity and the various ways that intellectuals, in particular, have confronted the Holocaust.  

 

Polonsky argues that Poles and Jews are divided by their views of the past.  Most Jews’ view of Poland is shaped by Polish behavior before, during and after the Holocaust when most Jews perished.  Those who survived have bitter memories.  Poles have a romantic view of the past, of Poland as a place of saints and martyrs, and a view of themselves as the Nazis –and the Communists—major victims.  Over the past twenty five years, historical scholarship has provided an opportunity for something like historical reconciliation or a coming to terms by academics, in particular, with these histories and their implications.  This confrontation began in the 1970s and 80s with cultural productions focused on Jews. Polonsky refers to this engagement as nostalgic as well as stemming from a genuine sense of loss.  1984 was a year of real breakthroughs in terms of Polish-Jewish relations.  A conference at Oxford University marked the first time that Polish and Jewish scholars talked openly about the Holocaust.

A 1987 article in Catholic Weekly, “Poor Poles Look at the Ghetto,” called for Poles to accept some degree of responsibility under the Nazis, to confront the fact that they did not behave more humanely or wisely .  The transition to democracy provided more space for engagement, learning and discussion.  Perhaps one of the most important catalysts for a re-examination of Polish history and identity was Jan Gross’s book Neighbors.  Based on evidence from  a trial, Gross focused on the behavior of Polish villagers toward their Jewish neighbors. The horrifying history includes graphic details of perpetration and abuse.  Poles reacted with horror, some continue to reject Gross’s book, but, mostly, the history inspired self reflection at a national level.

This confrontation continues as does the struggle to reconcile two views of the past which are inextricably tied to Polish identity.  Ultimately, Polonsky argues, he does not seek apologetics. Rather, he is looking for acceptance of the past in all its complexity.