Płock Becomes First Polish City to Adopt IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
On February 21, 2023, the Mayor of Płock, Andrzej Nowakowski, signed the “Declaration on Countering Antisemitism”. A part of the declaration is the Working Definition of Antisemitism by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which will be used by the city authorities and their subordinate institutions.
Płock has does become the first city in Poland to say”NO” to antisemitism in such a clear way.
It is not without reason that this momentous act took place on February 21. 82 years ago, the Germans began the liquidation of the ghetto in Płock. Ten thousand Jews were sent to concentration camps and only a few returned after the war. “We remember them all because Płock has always been home to people of different faiths and backgrounds. The cruel history from years ago must not be repeated” – said the Mayor of Płock. The declaration was signed at the Museum of Mazovian Jews in the presence of Israeli Deputy Ambassador to Poland Ms. Shani Tayar, and Dr. Sebastian Rejak, Director of American Jewish Committee (AJC) Central Europe.
In his speech, Dr. Rejak emphasized the importance of the Working Definition of Antisemitism: “It is a tool that should be used not only by the judiciary, but also by the institutions of the education system. Its use will be a strong signal that there can be no place for hatred against Jews in Poland, or for discrimination against anyone on the basis of their identity.”
Mayor Nowakowski, together with the Deputy Ambassador of Israel, representatives of AJC, the Bishop of Płock, Szymon Stułkowski, the Bishop of the Warsaw-Płock Diocese of the Old Catholic Mariavite Church, Karol Babi, and other guests laid flowers at the monument of the Jewish cemetery in Płock. A prayer was said by Rabbi Icchak Rapoport, the representative of the Chief Rabbi of Poland.
The full text of the declaration:
DECLARATION
BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PŁOCK
TO COUNTER ANTISEMITISM
Respect and acceptance for people, regardless of their nationality, worldview, religion or ethnic affiliation are the values that are the basis for building peace in the world and friendly coexistence in our societies. It is our common responsibility to take action in order to prevent religious, ethnic, and cultural bias. Płock was and is home to people of different faiths and origins. For over 700 years Jews co-shaped the history, culture, and economy of our city. This was interrupted by World War II and the Holocaust, which was the work of the German Nazis. On the night of February 20, 1941, a special German police unit began the deportation of Jews from Płock. The second and final deportation to the concentration camp in Działdowo took place on March 1, 1941. In total, about 10,000 Jews were deported from Płock. Every year, on the anniversary of these dramatic events, we organize commemorations to remind ourselves about the Holocaust and the martyrdom of Jews from Płock. It is up to us today, to remember these events in order to ensure, they never happen again, and such cruel history never repeats itself. It is our duty to educate next generations about the history of our country, including Polish Jewish communities, about their contribution to the national heritage and their martyrdom, and about antisemitism. For prejudice and hatred against any social groups cannot exist in Poland.
I declare that the city of Płock will continue to counter any discrimination, including prejudice and hatred against Jews, in accordance with the Working Definition of Antisemitism recommended by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, of which Poland is a member: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
President of the City of Płock
Andrzej Nowakowski
Płock, February 21, 2023