I am a non-jewish Pole living in the USA. My hometown in Poland used to have a large jewish population before the war. About 10 years ago, i was in Poland visiting family, and the government (and I think also some jewish organization) had funded the restoration of an old small secret jewish temple that had been discovered in the basement of some building. I talked to a young woman who had trained in art restoration at a university in Poland who was working to restore some damaged artwork painted on the walls before the war, and I noticed that she was wearing a cross. It warmed my heart that a young catholic art restorer in Poland was working to restore and preserve the history of jews in our country since the jewish community was an essential part of Polish history for hundreds of years. I am happy to see that you as a Canadian jew with polish roots has moved back to Poland! Best wishes.
Michael ty nawet wyglądasz troche jak Maurycy Gottlieb:))) mój ulubiony malarz, uczeń Matejki, który zmagał sie osobiście i w swojej twórczości z tym jak być Żydem i Polakiem jednocześnie. Jak ja się ciesze że wreszcie mamy tu, zwłaszcza w moim i twoim Krakowie znowu kogoś kto wypełnia ta pustkę po przedwojennej społeczności żydowskiej. I ta społeczność niech rośnie bo jest nam potrzebna.
Hello, I saw your blogs. It's nice to know that you find positive aspects of Poland. The Polish constitution is clear. Every Polish citizen is treated in the same way. Polish law does NOT say that Jews, blacks, Asians... have the same rights. Polish constitution: everyone has the same rights.
Leaders of world Jewish Congress dont share your opinion demanding Poland pays restitution for Jewish property seized by communist regime. The communist regime also seized land and property of non Jewish Poles . Polish cities grew 4 times in size under communist rule . Land was taken from farmers without due compensation, yet WJC wont hear of it .
@@czarekp3552 WJC want heirless Jewish properties in Poland to go to Jewish tribe In United States heirless property becomes property of the state, but Poland according to greedy Jews must be different
BTW. husband of my cousin has found his Jewish family in America 5 years ago. The American family found him actually somehow in social media. He did not know he's Jewish, but they showed him photo of the brother of his grad father (identical) and told where he lived before the WW2 (same place). But he is not religious so he does not plan to become a religious Jew
Wow. Great story. So you know, someone can choose to identify as a Jew, but they do not need to be religious. I think it is a common mistake that people make -- they learn they have Jewish roots, and feel that to identify they must suddenly become religious. It isn't necessary.
muszę przyznać, że przed rokiem 1990 temat Żydów żyjących w Polsce prawie dla mnie nie istniał. tzn. byli Żydzi podkreślający swoje żydowskie pochodzenie, ale większość nie mówiła nic, temat w mediach niemal nie istniał. z mojej generacji chyba mało kto wówczas wiedział, że J.Hoffman i J.Morgenstern mają żydowskie pochodzenie. w '68 na pewno było inaczej.
Michael is our Michael our Jewish Polish Michael. We love you here in Poland. You are just great, funny and super intelegent. You see things as they are. Thank you for what you do. You are just a nice addition to the community of Krakow. Im happy you live here.
I was born in Poland, but I wouldn't let myself be cut off because I don't have a Jewish ancestor. my family has always been a bit secretive about the origins of our ancestors. I was raised in the Roman Catholic faith, but I haven't practiced it for a long time for many reasons. No faith has ever bothered me. I am a big fan of learning about other cultures and faiths.
Ha! Your channeling of all your ancestors in your introduction was amusing. ... These latest developments amongst Jews and Poles of Jewish descent present a great deal of hope for the future of Judaism in Poland. One good thing about this is that these people can decide for themselves what it is to be Polish and what it is to be Jewish. They do not have to have outsiders come in and tell them what it is that they should be. Having just said that, the one outsider opinion that I would venture to express is that it would be nice if Jews throughout Eastern Europe would pay attention to the passage in Genesis that goes, "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth ... ." It appears that many of them are not-breeding themselves out of existence.
Hi Michael. It's a shame that our (Polish and Jewish) histories were intertwined for such a long time, and yet we grew ignorant of each other. I hope that the channels like yours and "Tajemniczy Świat Żydow" will allow us to break the ice and outgrow the traumas of the past. Cheers.
I agree, it is a shame. I think that for it to really work, there needs to be more government money into projects that bring these stories to life more and people together more. I think there should be more Jewish trips that focus on reconciliation with Poland, whereas most of them focus only on the negative aspects of the Jewish past during the Holocaust.
IMHO governments should be kept away from any initiatives of that sort, unless they start by ditching current policies. Good example would be school syllabi as from what I can see they put lots of emphasis on respective suffering of Poles and Jews and zero emphasis on empathy/ compassion. Personally I put more trust in grass roots/ community I initiatives. Your channel is a very good example of what I have in mind. In other words: our people need to talk to each other and try to understand other side's experiences and feelings.
I agree with the second part, but I I have seen how government spending has helped create new opportunities for dialogue between Indigenous people in Canada and the rest of the country. It is emotionally very draining work, and difficult to have another job that pays you, and then find the extra time to volunteer to do this other work. It needs to be approached like a job, so people can really give all their energy to it.
@@lerubenfeld I happen to be Canadian and Torontonian, born in PL and my perspective on government involvement in cross community dialogue in Canada is somewhat different from yours. If anything, different levels of govt have been pushed kicking and screaming into reacting to problems. I gather you are from TO and you surely remember one Ernst Zundel and his cohorts. As far as I can remember public authorities tolerated their pogromnik activities for a number of years and, as you surely remember, a few people died in racist attacks. Granted, there has been an improvement since and laws have changed to include hate as aggravating factor in sentencing. But as far as I can remember peace on the streets of TO has not been restored by the "finest", but by organised community groups willing to make our city unsafe for racists. Sure, this is an extreme example, but it illustrates why I don't think government involvement is going to foster any meaningful, open dialogue, understanding and cooperation between communities. And govt funding has many strings attached to it. Now, could i take funds from our federal govermnent, headed by a man who seems to think minstrel shows are good fun and an appologist for nazi collaborators as deputy pm? Is Bibi N interested in fostering dialogue between Jews and Poles? In my experience personal contract between individuals and informal groups does a far better job of promoting mutual understanding and respect and TO still offers many opportunities for that.
Poland is the real and only.....yiddishland, like it or not (at least historical Poland which today may rather be identified as Eastern Europe). The US Jews originate from here, the Canadian Jews come from here, as well as the South African, Brazilian, Argentinian and (believe or not) Russian Jews. And, of course, if you think that Israeli Jews come from Israel then you're ......plain wrong. As you have experienced, live here is quite fun, entertaining and simply pleasant. The fear of being Jewish was visited on Poland by the German and Soviet occupiers. You simply had to cover your identity to survive. It would take generations to cleanse Poland of that fear but as you discovered yourself there's nothing to be afraid of here in the pattern of Berlin, London, New York or Montreal (among many others "famous" places). Right or wrong, Poland is the best and I hope you will get rid of received prejudices and reconcile with your heritage.
I agree with most of what you have said here :) But unfortunately the period before the war was quite bad in Poland for Jewish people in terms of antisemitism. 1936-39 with the National Democrats (especially) and the ONR was awful, which was then of course followed by the Holocaust -- but Jews have a very vivid memory of this terrible period before the war -- and I this also contributed to antisemitic Polish violence during the war. I think right now, however, is a good time for Jews in Poland, and it's my hope that with the incoming government, it will only get better. I am happy to be here and reconciling with Poland. :)
One narrative element is that the older generation, intimately familiar with their history, carries the trauma not only of the Katyn, Augustow, German occupation ( Action Zamosc), the "not talked about now" events of Wolyn but also, of the communist repressions embodied by Stalin's favorites such as Helena Wolinska, Lola Potok, Salomon Morel, Bloody Luna-Julia Brystygierowa the list goes on - John Sack commented on that subject. The younger generation is might not be aware of all of it, as certain aspects of Polish history are being revised - such is life.
Wow you really dodged a bullet by moving form canada to poland with the way the situation is unfolding out there 😅 Edit: i mean the hamas supporters being violent in north america
Hi my name is Marcin. I remember how my grandmother (not alive any more) tell the story how she was in Warszawa throwing the potetotes through the wall to getto. She had co ba.... But prople still don't understand she and her family (me, and my family,) will be gone if Germans will couch her. Why she did that? People which need help. How you can not help? You have to if you are a human you have to, no question.
Widzę i słyszę, że prawdziwe jest powiedzenie, że historia lubi się powtarzać. Ludzie nie zbierają wiedzy tylko bajki opowiadane przez bajarzy...więc popełniają takie same błędy. Michael, zauważyłam u Ciebie charakterystyczne dla Żydów liczenie....liczby rosną i rosną... :) Obywatel polski w myśl prawa polskiego nie może być równocześnie uznawany za obywatela innego państwa. Naród - wspólnota ludzi utworzona w procesie dziejowym na podstawie języka, religii, terytorium, życia społecznego i gospodarczego, przejawiająca się w kulturze i świadomości swych członków. Naród wyróżnia się na tle innych zbiorowości wspólną świadomością narodową, czyli poczuciem przynależności do wspólnoty definiowanej aktualnie jako naród. Jednym z istotnych wyróżników narodu, jest kwestia istnienia świadomości narodowej, czyli kwestia postrzegania własnej zbiorowości jako narodu. Żydzi są narodem . Etniczne korzenie to ciekawa sprawa. Jeżeli żyjemy obok siebie i razem działamy dla wspólnego dobra to jest bardzo dobrze.Jeżeli ktoś chce utworzyć autonomie na wspólnym terenie to już nie dobrze. Musicie poczuć się częścią naszej wspólnoty, aby móc iść razem...i to nie reszta ludzi ma Was ugłaskiwać żebyście czuli się odpowiedzialni za miejsce, w którym żyjecie. To ma wyjść z Ciebie i Ciebie. Tak jak w małżeństwie...jesteśmy razem i działamy razem. Nie realizujemy własnych interesów ...tylko WSPÓLNE. Jeżeli coś nam nie pasuje to odchodzimy z godnością. Zapoznałam się głębiej z historią ludów wyznania Mojżeszowego...nawet z historią powstania Pięcioksięgu, datami, mitami, wcześniejszymi wierzeniami, zmianami...i nic nie jest takim jakim się wydaje. Pozdrawiam
@@sylwiatime Mogą.Obywatele posiadający podwójne obywatelstwo są traktowani tak samo, jak osoby, które mają tylko obywatelstwo polskie. Osoby te mają również takie same prawa i obowiązki wobec Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, jak osoba posiadająca tylko obywatelstwo polskie...czyli nie są uznawani za obywateli obcego państwa.
I am sure that the Jewish community in Poland is growing and is growing fast. We see what is going on with Jewish people in Israel, Canada and some western European countries. Many Jews from those countries with some ancestors from Poland scramble to get Polish passport now.
@@lerubenfeld Not only that. In Poland nobody shoots them. Right now Poland is probably one of the safest places in the world for Jews. I am sure you hear what is going on in Canada.
Again I feel as there were much more people tramatized by War , there is mu h more people tramatized by communism , then there is people who think about it as something good , and those who think about the PRL (Polish Peoples Republic) with fondnes are just reminiscing on their youth and not necessarily thr politics of the times. So whst i mean is that of Course rhe Holocaust is the tragedy of Jewish people but the entire War is the tragedy and trauma od Poland and thet trauma continued into the years of communism and all of those are kind of imbeded in Poles today. Now the younger generation ( born after 1990 ) the were born in truly free country but the trauma of their parents and grandparents is there in the genetics and not necessarily comes out as antisemitism or anything but as a overall personaloty trait : Poles seem distant and distrustful; the dont smile thst often and are constantly counting money and being cautious with making friends. But under the surface there are fierce hearts - when we have a cause the passion is undinable.
Hi, Michael. I'm Jewish living in Russia. Most of the times I prefer not to tell about it. It brings only the problems to me usually. But I also never felt like jewish if that makes any sense. Later I became a citizen of Israel and spent some time there, returned back home and frankly don't even want to think I have something in common with them. Never thought there can be so much hatred in me towards people who are supposed to be distant relatives😅
@@irminachmielewska3761 I`m home, what`s your point? Also isn`t Kurwa supposed to be for women only? Pls keep it in full English, I don`t have to know your language, none of my family ever been to Poland.
You are funny , it’s what I like about You 😊. I think many poles discovering this more and more . Together with digitalization it is easier , 😅 my grandma told me „never grow a bird, You will look like a Jew „ so once grown Man You wonder why “non Jew” should be aware of “not looking” like a Jew 😅 so You start discoveting what an Old lady survivor of Wwll really ment
I hope someone - perhaps you, Mr. Rubenfeld - will tell Poles how much secular Polish Jews contributed to the Polish culture. I'm not talking of perhaps "corner cases" like Bruno Schulz, but of people like Jan Brzechwa, a copyright lawyer who was so frustrated that he had not achieved as much fame being a poet as his cousin did… that in this frustiration, he turned to writing children's stories. And he is absolutely revered for that! Everyone, young and old, knows the name Lesman, I mean Brzechwa. Stoi na stacji lokomotywa…
The world is doing a circle where Jews are hated around the world and the Polish diaspora is growing. I like You guys but I am not sure I like where this cycle tends to lead to.
I share the same fears, especially seeing German drive to rule Europe again...I'm afraid they will push their Muslim immigrants here and antisemitic incidents will multiply, on the other side Russia may press Ukraine west to increase tension between Ukrainians and Poles..some of them have already forgotten the help they have received in our homes... and the world again will hear that Poland is a terrible country 🤔😮💨😔😟☹
Polin = you can rest here in Yiddish (until Israel is re-established in the Middle East). What made those people on the Left (including Jewish Dr. Jill Stein in America) believe that history of 1) Polish Kingdom under Piast dynasty that invited European Jews, 2) Philosemitic Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth and Jagiellonian dynasty that protected Jews, 3) 2nd Polish Republic 1918-39 that gave home to the biggest Jewish population in Europe (just like the Commonwealth) and which wasn't that Jewish friendly after death of Marshall Piłsudski and 1937 - justifies the idea that Jews have no rights for Israel cause they should all come back to Poland? It's like propaganda by Russian Tsarist Empire : Polin is not "you can rest here" it's Poland that Jews are going to steal from you 🤦♀️. Since when King David lived in Poland?
and what should he tell you since he already talked about it: He, and in my opinion, most Jews, are against aggression against civilians. Everyone would be: you, me and millions of others. The fact that the government and the army do something does not mean that people have the same opinion. They even wanted to overthrow this government and protested before there was a war. And what? And now these people are being attacked all over the world, even though it is the Jews and the Jewish press who protest against the violent actions. Terrorists should be asked why they hide behind the backs of women and children and are ready to use them instead of a shield. Unfortunately, the complaints are against ordinary people, on both sides. Instead of terrorists and politicians. Such a terrible fratricidal quarrel.
Interesting... I didn't really know how Jews were functioning in Poland in communism and especially after 1968 as well as in 90's. I thought that they knew, that their parents told them. That going to church, getting baptized, first communion etc. was just a official stand by mode yet still getting taught about Judaism, holidays, tradition... Wait! What? What even am I talking about. No, no, no I'm stupid, that couldn't be the case. That was just pointless and too annoying to live like that. They could not predict that one day communism would end after following 90's and 00's suddenly normality would come. It's so complicated. Never mind, you channel is a hidden gem. What I can only say is that my Mom had the Jewish boyfriend which she was planning to marry but he was forced to leave Poland with his family in 1968. I would have never born obviously but I understand my Mom's frustration cause of super-catholic family of my Dad even though she loved him very much. I don;t even know how smartly end this useless rant. It's just too complicated. I only know that I'm glad Jewish community is recovering in Poland cuz it was most of the time the best place to live for everybody.
Wow. I actually made a play with a character who has a similar story to your mother. In the play, however, the woman who was left ended up holding resentment towards Jews as a result. Anyways, thank you for your rant - I appreciate it. I'm glad that there are enough Polish people who are appreciating this channel despite me do it mostly in English.
Brilliant start! I liked it so much, even though at first I thought it was just another of those very clever Ads to get my attention. 2. I frequently pass through Poland on my way to Kaliningrad where my wife's mother is Jewish.
Czy zastowilam się Pan tylko minute, czy Pana rodzina pomoglaby Polakom w odwrotnej sytacji?. Otoz nie. Nigdy nie mieliście szacunku do Polskiego Państwa. I cokolwiek Pan powie to jest kłamstwo.
Przepraszam Pana, ma Pan tak wypaczone opinie o Polakach. Dlaczego Żydzi kochają Niemców? Czy zastanowili się Pańscy rodzice jak przeżyli w Polsce. Czy Pan wie, że tylko w Polsce za pomoc Żydom groziła kara śmierci nie tylko osobie, która pomagała, ale jej dzieciom i rodzicie. Have you
How about someone tell this Polish community how much Theare pay for Jewish in UE its 25 mln $ every year for EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Life 2021-2030 . So question is why ?
@@lerubenfeld OMG everyone who start with Antisemitism I will send him to book Antisemitism: Its History and Causes. Bernard Lazare 1894.Looks U need too
słychałem pana short's po polsku i moim skromnym zdaniem całkiem zacnie pan mówi po naszemu. polacy to tygiel wielu kóltur, wiar i jezyków. wytepiono to bardzo kkrótnie w okresie opupacji CCCP. ale no nie da sie wykorzenić tak długich i pieknych tradycji. I heard your short's in Polish and, in my humble opinion, you speak Polish quite well. Poles are a melting pot of many cultures, faiths and languages. It was eradicated very briefly during the CCCP occupation. but it's impossible to eradicate such long and beautiful traditions.
Yeah, there is understandable over-excitement about becoming a Jew, that sometimes become a little bit uncanny. Sth like "OF COURSE I keep JEWISH KOSHER in my VERY JEWISH kitchen. Oh we can't do this or that tomorrow, its JEWISH SHABBAT don't you know. Btw I'm JEWISH" xD Like you said, most of them just discovered their roots so they have a right to be like that.
I think its okay though. Sometimes I learn more about Judaism from people who have converted or have discovered their roots and have begun embracing and studying, than I do from people who have always known they were Jewish.
moze kiedys pokaze bardzo przystojnych Polakow z Izraela , Georgie Clooney moze tylko zaslonic sie dla przykladu ,nie daremno mowi sie Polska jest Piekna, a propos omijajac urode sa uzdolnieni
I'm sorry but I have to finally say it. The sound in your videos is unbearable. My daughter says it's due to compression. If you don't do something about it, I will have to stop watching your videos, even though you cover topics that I am very curious about. I know that what I'm writing sounds unpleasant and demanding, but I can't focus on the content of your videos because of their sound.
wiem nie tylko z doswiadczenia, ze Tczew slynie z urody to, wszyscy wiedza na Wybrzezu, przykladem moze byc byly Tczewiak odwiedzajac Krakow, z psedoimieniem czarna perla , wiec nie trzeba miec wiecej albo..
Polacy i Żydzi, tak różne społeczności, bardzo różne ... 🤔
I am a non-jewish Pole living in the USA. My hometown in Poland used to have a large jewish population before the war. About 10 years ago, i was in Poland visiting family, and the government (and I think also some jewish organization) had funded the restoration of an old small secret jewish temple that had been discovered in the basement of some building. I talked to a young woman who had trained in art restoration at a university in Poland who was working to restore some damaged artwork painted on the walls before the war, and I noticed that she was wearing a cross. It warmed my heart that a young catholic art restorer in Poland was working to restore and preserve the history of jews in our country since the jewish community was an essential part of Polish history for hundreds of years.
I am happy to see that you as a Canadian jew with polish roots has moved back to Poland! Best wishes.
Michael ty nawet wyglądasz troche jak Maurycy Gottlieb:))) mój ulubiony malarz, uczeń Matejki, który zmagał sie osobiście i w swojej twórczości z tym jak być Żydem i Polakiem jednocześnie. Jak ja się ciesze że wreszcie mamy tu, zwłaszcza w moim i twoim Krakowie znowu kogoś kto wypełnia ta pustkę po przedwojennej społeczności żydowskiej. I ta społeczność niech rośnie bo jest nam potrzebna.
Jan Kowalski weź się k..... pierdolnij w czaszkę co?
Hello, I saw your blogs. It's nice to know that you find positive aspects of Poland. The Polish constitution is clear. Every Polish citizen is treated in the same way. Polish law does NOT say that Jews, blacks, Asians... have the same rights. Polish constitution: everyone has the same rights.
yet gays cannot marry.... so why is Polish constitution protecting them for being stuck in the miserable marriages like the rest of us?
Leaders of world Jewish Congress dont share your opinion demanding Poland pays restitution for Jewish property seized by communist regime.
The communist regime also seized land and property of non Jewish Poles .
Polish cities grew 4 times in size under communist rule .
Land was taken from farmers without due compensation, yet WJC wont hear of it .
@@donbabilio8298 you okay hun? you sound like nothing's okay
@@czarekp3552 WJC want heirless Jewish properties in Poland to go to Jewish tribe
In United States heirless property becomes property of the state, but Poland according to greedy Jews must be different
dokładnie. w polsce kazdy ma prawo być sobą z poszanowaniem prawa i zgodnie z prawem.
BTW. husband of my cousin has found his Jewish family in America 5 years ago. The American family found him actually somehow in social media. He did not know he's Jewish, but they showed him photo of the brother of his grad father (identical) and told where he lived before the WW2 (same place). But he is not religious so he does not plan to become a religious Jew
Wow. Great story. So you know, someone can choose to identify as a Jew, but they do not need to be religious. I think it is a common mistake that people make -- they learn they have Jewish roots, and feel that to identify they must suddenly become religious. It isn't necessary.
muszę przyznać, że przed rokiem 1990 temat Żydów żyjących w Polsce prawie dla mnie nie istniał. tzn. byli Żydzi podkreślający swoje żydowskie pochodzenie, ale większość nie mówiła nic, temat w mediach niemal nie istniał. z mojej generacji chyba mało kto wówczas wiedział, że J.Hoffman i J.Morgenstern mają żydowskie pochodzenie. w '68 na pewno było inaczej.
Hoffman to artysta, a zbiegły do USA Leszek Czarnecki to też artysta, tylko innej sztuki, "con artist"
Michael is our Michael our Jewish Polish Michael.
We love you here in Poland.
You are just great, funny and super intelegent.
You see things as they are.
Thank you for what you do.
You are just a nice addition to the community of Krakow.
Im happy you live here.
Oh that's very nice!!! Thank you!
I was born in Poland, but I wouldn't let myself be cut off because I don't have a Jewish ancestor. my family has always been a bit secretive about the origins of our ancestors. I was raised in the Roman Catholic faith, but I haven't practiced it for a long time for many reasons. No faith has ever bothered me. I am a big fan of learning about other cultures and faiths.
Ha! Your channeling of all your ancestors in your introduction was amusing. ... These latest developments amongst Jews and Poles of Jewish descent present a great deal of hope for the future of Judaism in Poland. One good thing about this is that these people can decide for themselves what it is to be Polish and what it is to be Jewish. They do not have to have outsiders come in and tell them what it is that they should be. Having just said that, the one outsider opinion that I would venture to express is that it would be nice if Jews throughout Eastern Europe would pay attention to the passage in Genesis that goes, "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth ... ." It appears that many of them are not-breeding themselves out of existence.
Hi Michael. It's a shame that our (Polish and Jewish) histories were intertwined for such a long time, and yet we grew ignorant of each other. I hope that the channels like yours and "Tajemniczy Świat Żydow" will allow us to break the ice and outgrow the traumas of the past. Cheers.
I agree, it is a shame. I think that for it to really work, there needs to be more government money into projects that bring these stories to life more and people together more. I think there should be more Jewish trips that focus on reconciliation with Poland, whereas most of them focus only on the negative aspects of the Jewish past during the Holocaust.
IMHO governments should be kept away from any initiatives of that sort, unless they start by ditching current policies. Good example would be school syllabi as from what I can see they put lots of emphasis on respective suffering of Poles and Jews and zero emphasis on empathy/ compassion. Personally I put more trust in grass roots/ community I initiatives. Your channel is a very good example of what I have in mind. In other words: our people need to talk to each other and try to understand other side's experiences and feelings.
I agree with the second part, but I I have seen how government spending has helped create new opportunities for dialogue between Indigenous people in Canada and the rest of the country. It is emotionally very draining work, and difficult to have another job that pays you, and then find the extra time to volunteer to do this other work. It needs to be approached like a job, so people can really give all their energy to it.
@@lerubenfeld I happen to be Canadian and Torontonian, born in PL and my perspective on government involvement in cross community dialogue in Canada is somewhat different from yours. If anything, different levels of govt have been pushed kicking and screaming into reacting to problems. I gather you are from TO and you surely remember one Ernst Zundel and his cohorts. As far as I can remember public authorities tolerated their pogromnik activities for a number of years and, as you surely remember, a few people died in racist attacks.
Granted, there has been an improvement since and laws have changed to include hate as aggravating factor in sentencing. But as far as I can remember peace on the streets of TO has not been restored by the "finest", but by organised community groups willing to make our city unsafe for racists.
Sure, this is an extreme example, but it illustrates why I don't think government involvement is going to foster any meaningful, open dialogue, understanding and cooperation between communities. And govt funding has many strings attached to it. Now, could i take funds from our federal govermnent, headed by a man who seems to think minstrel shows are good fun and an appologist for nazi collaborators as deputy pm? Is Bibi N interested in fostering dialogue between Jews and Poles?
In my experience personal contract between individuals and informal groups does a far better job of promoting mutual understanding and respect and TO still offers many opportunities for that.
You rock.
A fair comment of yours. I dig it.
What was the comment?
@@lerubenfeld ... my broken English fails me.
I meant a fair commentary on/account of "Jews in Poland today".
Hope it's understandable now. 😉
yes! now I understand :) thank you for clarifying.
to dobrze że o tych sprawach mówisz ,bo jest bardzo mało wiedzy na ten temat a to pomaga lepiej się zrozumieć i szanować
Poland is the real and only.....yiddishland, like it or not (at least historical Poland which today may rather be identified as Eastern Europe).
The US Jews originate from here, the Canadian Jews come from here, as well as the South African, Brazilian, Argentinian and (believe or not) Russian Jews.
And, of course, if you think that Israeli Jews come from Israel then you're ......plain wrong.
As you have experienced, live here is quite fun, entertaining and simply pleasant. The fear of being Jewish was visited on Poland by the German and Soviet occupiers. You simply had to cover your identity to survive. It would take generations to cleanse Poland of that fear but as you discovered yourself there's nothing to be afraid of here in the pattern of Berlin, London, New York or Montreal (among many others "famous" places).
Right or wrong, Poland is the best and I hope you will get rid of received prejudices and reconcile with your heritage.
I agree with most of what you have said here :) But unfortunately the period before the war was quite bad in Poland for Jewish people in terms of antisemitism. 1936-39 with the National Democrats (especially) and the ONR was awful, which was then of course followed by the Holocaust -- but Jews have a very vivid memory of this terrible period before the war -- and I this also contributed to antisemitic Polish violence during the war.
I think right now, however, is a good time for Jews in Poland, and it's my hope that with the incoming government, it will only get better.
I am happy to be here and reconciling with Poland. :)
Brednie :)
One narrative element is that the older generation, intimately familiar with their history, carries the trauma not only of the Katyn, Augustow, German occupation ( Action Zamosc), the "not talked about now" events of Wolyn but also, of the communist repressions embodied by Stalin's favorites such as Helena Wolinska, Lola Potok, Salomon Morel, Bloody Luna-Julia Brystygierowa the list goes on - John Sack commented on that subject. The younger generation is might not be aware of all of it, as certain aspects of Polish history are being revised - such is life.
Wow you really dodged a bullet by moving form canada to poland with the way the situation is unfolding out there 😅
Edit: i mean the hamas supporters being violent in north america
Hi my name is Marcin. I remember how my grandmother (not alive any more) tell the story how she was in Warszawa throwing the potetotes through the wall to getto. She had co ba.... But prople still don't understand she and her family (me, and my family,) will be gone if Germans will couch her. Why she did that? People which need help. How you can not help? You have to if you are a human you have to, no question.
Jesteś fajnym gościem, dlatego zasubskrybowałem
Great video as always. I admire your quest for truth, diligent research and being straightforward
I appreciate that!
Great videos!
Widzę i słyszę, że prawdziwe jest powiedzenie, że historia lubi się powtarzać. Ludzie nie zbierają wiedzy tylko bajki opowiadane przez bajarzy...więc popełniają takie same błędy. Michael, zauważyłam u Ciebie charakterystyczne dla Żydów liczenie....liczby rosną i rosną... :)
Obywatel polski w myśl prawa polskiego nie może być równocześnie uznawany za obywatela innego państwa.
Naród - wspólnota ludzi utworzona w procesie dziejowym na podstawie języka, religii, terytorium, życia społecznego i gospodarczego, przejawiająca się w kulturze i świadomości swych członków. Naród wyróżnia się na tle innych zbiorowości wspólną świadomością narodową, czyli poczuciem przynależności do wspólnoty definiowanej aktualnie jako naród. Jednym z istotnych wyróżników narodu, jest kwestia istnienia świadomości narodowej, czyli kwestia postrzegania własnej zbiorowości jako narodu. Żydzi są narodem . Etniczne korzenie to ciekawa sprawa.
Jeżeli żyjemy obok siebie i razem działamy dla wspólnego dobra to jest bardzo dobrze.Jeżeli ktoś chce utworzyć autonomie na wspólnym terenie to już nie dobrze. Musicie poczuć się częścią naszej wspólnoty, aby móc iść razem...i to nie reszta ludzi ma Was ugłaskiwać żebyście czuli się odpowiedzialni za miejsce, w którym żyjecie. To ma wyjść z Ciebie i Ciebie. Tak jak w małżeństwie...jesteśmy razem i działamy razem.
Nie realizujemy własnych interesów ...tylko WSPÓLNE. Jeżeli coś nam nie pasuje to odchodzimy z godnością. Zapoznałam się głębiej z historią ludów wyznania Mojżeszowego...nawet z historią powstania Pięcioksięgu, datami, mitami, wcześniejszymi wierzeniami, zmianami...i nic nie jest takim jakim się wydaje. Pozdrawiam
Co? Od kiedy Polacy nie mogą mieć podwójnego obywatelstwa?
@@sylwiatime Mogą.Obywatele posiadający podwójne obywatelstwo są traktowani tak samo, jak osoby, które mają tylko obywatelstwo polskie. Osoby te mają również takie same prawa i obowiązki wobec Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, jak osoba posiadająca tylko obywatelstwo polskie...czyli nie są uznawani za obywateli obcego państwa.
przeciez on ucieka bo sie boi tzeraz tej nagonki na zydow w europie i w usa ! On nigdy nie bedzie Polakiem , bo Polscy Zydzi sa inni .
I am sure that the Jewish community in Poland is growing and is growing fast. We see what is going on with Jewish people in Israel, Canada and some western European countries. Many Jews from those countries with some ancestors from Poland scramble to get Polish passport now.
Lots want a Polish passport to gain access to the rest of Europe :)
@@lerubenfeld Not only that. In Poland nobody shoots them. Right now Poland is probably one of the safest places in the world for Jews. I am sure you hear what is going on in Canada.
@@lerubenfeld Should they move to the Arab part of Europe?
Komentarz dla zasięgu.
I think you look ethnically mediterannean or middle eastern cause Jews are traditionally indigenous to Judea and Israel
What city have you been living in Canada?
Toronto
Again I feel as there were much more people tramatized by War , there is mu h more people tramatized by communism , then there is people who think about it as something good , and those who think about the PRL (Polish Peoples Republic) with fondnes are just reminiscing on their youth and not necessarily thr politics of the times. So whst i mean is that of Course rhe Holocaust is the tragedy of Jewish people but the entire War is the tragedy and trauma od Poland and thet trauma continued into the years of communism and all of those are kind of imbeded in Poles today. Now the younger generation ( born after 1990 ) the were born in truly free country but the trauma of their parents and grandparents is there in the genetics and not necessarily comes out as antisemitism or anything but as a overall personaloty trait : Poles seem distant and distrustful; the dont smile thst often and are constantly counting money and being cautious with making friends. But under the surface there are fierce hearts - when we have a cause the passion is undinable.
Oh this is actually super accurate. Kudos to you, as thats not an easy achievement
Hi, Michael. I'm Jewish living in Russia. Most of the times I prefer not to tell about it. It brings only the problems to me usually. But I also never felt like jewish if that makes any sense. Later I became a citizen of Israel and spent some time there, returned back home and frankly don't even want to think I have something in common with them. Never thought there can be so much hatred in me towards people who are supposed to be distant relatives😅
Kurwa, go home zydu go hone
@@irminachmielewska3761 I`m home, what`s your point? Also isn`t Kurwa supposed to be for women only? Pls keep it in full English, I don`t have to know your language, none of my family ever been to Poland.
You are funny , it’s what I like about You 😊. I think many poles discovering this more and more . Together with digitalization it is easier , 😅 my grandma told me „never grow a bird, You will look like a Jew „ so once grown Man You wonder why “non Jew” should be aware of “not looking” like a Jew 😅 so You start discoveting what an Old lady survivor of Wwll really ment
a bird or a beard ... ?!
I dread to think of how your ungrown bird might look like ...
😉
@@frankgradus9474 Ha ha... good one.
by "you" do you mean, me, Michael, or Jews in general?
@@frankgradus9474 for God's sake , my mind almost blew trying to figure out what birds growing has to do with Jews🤯🤯... what a relief... thank you
Hi Mike, any comment on our Polish Jewish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, since 2017?
but Morawiecki isnt jewish. Although some of his ancestors were actually jewish, he is a catholic and feels no connection to any kind of jewishness
What kind of comment should I make? Shalom Matti?
Yours. Are you happy? And have you known this fact about Poland, as a foreigner?@@lerubenfeld
Often in some shitposts or copypastas Korhauser-Duda and her daughter, Kinga, in their dialogues are used to say some Yiddish words😅
Like: gesheft? Dornbaum?@@koriolakorni5041
I hope someone - perhaps you, Mr. Rubenfeld - will tell Poles how much secular Polish Jews contributed to the Polish culture.
I'm not talking of perhaps "corner cases" like Bruno Schulz, but of people like Jan Brzechwa, a copyright lawyer who was so frustrated that he had not achieved as much fame being a poet as his cousin did…
that in this frustiration, he turned to writing children's stories.
And he is absolutely revered for that! Everyone, young and old, knows the name Lesman, I mean Brzechwa.
Stoi na stacji lokomotywa…
Dead right.
... but actually "Lokomotywa" is by the one and only, the great Julian Tuwim.
Myślę że Polacy ktorzy tu zaglądają o tym wiedzą. Sam się dokształć, bo pomyliłeś autora wiersza..
@@nawgra8455 Oh yeah, sock it to him. 😉
Tuwim, Leśmian, Polański, Krajewski itd
Seriously, is there a Polish kid that hasn't heard of Brzechwa or Tuwim? Poles don't need to be lectured about that.
The world is doing a circle where Jews are hated around the world and the Polish diaspora is growing. I like You guys but I am not sure I like where this cycle tends to lead to.
I share the same fears, especially seeing German drive to rule Europe again...I'm afraid they will push their Muslim immigrants here and antisemitic incidents will multiply, on the other side Russia may press Ukraine west to increase tension between Ukrainians and Poles..some of them have already forgotten the help they have received in our homes... and the world again will hear that Poland is a terrible country 🤔😮💨😔😟☹
Michael warm gretings from Warsaw ❤
A idź i pokaż Kazimież :) trochę kultury i uroku Krakowa...
I may not be Jew, but I love Yiddish.😅
Polin = you can rest here in Yiddish (until Israel is re-established in the Middle East). What made those people on the Left (including Jewish Dr. Jill Stein in America) believe that history of 1) Polish Kingdom under Piast dynasty that invited European Jews, 2) Philosemitic Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth and Jagiellonian dynasty that protected Jews, 3) 2nd Polish Republic 1918-39 that gave home to the biggest Jewish population in Europe (just like the Commonwealth) and which wasn't that Jewish friendly after death of Marshall Piłsudski and 1937
- justifies the idea that Jews have no rights for Israel cause they should all come back to Poland? It's like propaganda by Russian Tsarist Empire : Polin is not "you can rest here" it's Poland that Jews are going to steal from you 🤦♀️. Since when King David lived in Poland?
What do you think about the genocide happening in Palestine?
I think it's horrible.
and what should he tell you since he already talked about it: He, and in my opinion, most Jews, are against aggression against civilians. Everyone would be: you, me and millions of others. The fact that the government and the army do something does not mean that people have the same opinion. They even wanted to overthrow this government and protested before there was a war. And what? And now these people are being attacked all over the world, even though it is the Jews and the Jewish press who protest against the violent actions. Terrorists should be asked why they hide behind the backs of women and children and are ready to use them instead of a shield. Unfortunately, the complaints are against ordinary people, on both sides. Instead of terrorists and politicians. Such a terrible fratricidal quarrel.
Interesting... I didn't really know how Jews were functioning in Poland in communism and especially after 1968 as well as in 90's. I thought that they knew, that their parents told them. That going to church, getting baptized, first communion etc. was just a official stand by mode yet still getting taught about Judaism, holidays, tradition... Wait! What? What even am I talking about. No, no, no I'm stupid, that couldn't be the case. That was just pointless and too annoying to live like that. They could not predict that one day communism would end after following 90's and 00's suddenly normality would come. It's so complicated. Never mind, you channel is a hidden gem. What I can only say is that my Mom had the Jewish boyfriend which she was planning to marry but he was forced to leave Poland with his family in 1968. I would have never born obviously but I understand my Mom's frustration cause of super-catholic family of my Dad even though she loved him very much. I don;t even know how smartly end this useless rant. It's just too complicated. I only know that I'm glad Jewish community is recovering in Poland cuz it was most of the time the best place to live for everybody.
Wow. I actually made a play with a character who has a similar story to your mother. In the play, however, the woman who was left ended up holding resentment towards Jews as a result.
Anyways, thank you for your rant - I appreciate it. I'm glad that there are enough Polish people who are appreciating this channel despite me do it mostly in English.
moj przyjaciel z Tczewa obecny mieszkaniec Koeln otrzymal w Krakowie `czarna perla``
Oh 😧😏🧐😎 (?!)
Brilliant start! I liked it so much, even though at first I thought it was just another of those very clever Ads to get my attention. 2. I frequently pass through Poland on my way to Kaliningrad where my wife's mother is Jewish.
🇵🇱🇵🇱🤜🤛🇵🇱🇵🇱
بولندا
Czy zastowilam się Pan tylko minute, czy Pana rodzina pomoglaby Polakom w odwrotnej sytacji?. Otoz nie. Nigdy nie mieliście szacunku do Polskiego Państwa. I cokolwiek Pan powie to jest kłamstwo.
you are welcomed to wave the red white and black falg and blame your every problem on the jews as well lol. pathetic
Szewińska została i dalej ma więcej medali olimpijskich niż cały Izrael.
Przepraszam Pana, ma Pan tak wypaczone opinie o Polakach. Dlaczego Żydzi kochają Niemców? Czy zastanowili się Pańscy rodzice jak przeżyli w Polsce. Czy Pan wie, że tylko w Polsce za pomoc Żydom groziła kara śmierci nie tylko osobie, która pomagała, ale jej dzieciom i rodzicie. Have you
emm no, in every other country helping and hiding jews was punishable with death
How about someone tell this Polish community how much Theare pay for Jewish in UE its 25 mln $ every year for EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Life 2021-2030 . So question is why ?
Because there is a lot of Antisemitism and a Jewish community and very fractured Jewish communities.
@@lerubenfeld OMG everyone who start with Antisemitism I will send him to book Antisemitism: Its History and Causes. Bernard Lazare 1894.Looks U need too
Masz suba ...jakiś normalny jesteś 😅
słychałem pana short's po polsku i moim skromnym zdaniem całkiem zacnie pan mówi po naszemu. polacy to tygiel wielu kóltur, wiar i jezyków. wytepiono to bardzo kkrótnie w okresie opupacji CCCP. ale no nie da sie wykorzenić tak długich i pieknych tradycji.
I heard your short's in Polish and, in my humble opinion, you speak Polish quite well. Poles are a melting pot of many cultures, faiths and languages. It was eradicated very briefly during the CCCP occupation. but it's impossible to eradicate such long and beautiful traditions.
Bo Polska to centrum europy, a co zazwyczaj jest w centrum? Miks wszystkiego dookoła:)
omijac talent trzeba przyznac Polscy Zydzi maja wyjatkowa piekna urode przykladowo z Tczew sasiad Gdanska, bardzo mile miasto Tczew multykulty
Jewish people in Poland before World War II used to say to us “wasze ulice nasze kamienice” try to explain that
Yeah, there is understandable over-excitement about becoming a Jew, that sometimes become a little bit uncanny. Sth like "OF COURSE I keep JEWISH KOSHER in my VERY JEWISH kitchen. Oh we can't do this or that tomorrow, its JEWISH SHABBAT don't you know. Btw I'm JEWISH" xD Like you said, most of them just discovered their roots so they have a right to be like that.
I think its okay though. Sometimes I learn more about Judaism from people who have converted or have discovered their roots and have begun embracing and studying, than I do from people who have always known they were Jewish.
moze kiedys pokaze bardzo przystojnych Polakow z Izraela , Georgie Clooney moze tylko zaslonic sie dla przykladu ,nie daremno mowi sie Polska jest Piekna, a propos omijajac urode sa uzdolnieni
I think you look like handsome canadian Jew. Theres something North american in you.😉
I actually only really care about if people think I'm handsome. The Jewish stuff is pretend.
@@lerubenfeld 👍🏻
Are you in a barrel???
Isnt it ironic that in-spite of huge anti polish hatred imbedded in jewish hearts, Poland may be once again one of the safest place for your people.
Oby nie
I'm sorry but I have to finally say it. The sound in your videos is unbearable. My daughter says it's due to compression. If you don't do something about it, I will have to stop watching your videos, even though you cover topics that I am very curious about. I know that what I'm writing sounds unpleasant and demanding, but I can't focus on the content of your videos because of their sound.
Its weird because it sounds fine on my phone and computer. I’m not sure the issue. I’ve ordered a new mic so lets see if that helps.
I have to say the sound is fine on my iPad.
Michael looks like polish nosacz
I don't get this joke.
@@lerubenfeld try polski nosacz memy
I see. So you are insulting me?
@@lerubenfeld never! joke 😃
Hey! Don't be like that! People beyond the pond are very sensitive about their roots. Of course he looks very Canadian.
You look skinny 😅
wiem nie tylko z doswiadczenia, ze Tczew slynie z urody to, wszyscy wiedza na Wybrzezu, przykladem moze byc byly Tczewiak odwiedzajac Krakow, z psedoimieniem czarna perla , wiec nie trzeba miec wiecej albo..