Poland: Jewish Heritage on view in Bielsko Biala

Poland: Jewish Heritage on view in Bielsko Biala

(ISJM) In her most recent JTA column, "Poland’s Jewish heritage is about more than just death," Ruth Ellen Gruber writes about the contradictions in the recognition and presentation of Jewish heritage in the southern Polish town of Bielsko Biala. One interesting point that Ruth hits is that when Jewish heritage is recovered, repackaged and presented, its the result of several factors. There is altruism - a real interest in history and culture, and perhaps a genuine sense of remorse and shame; then there are economic factors - what can possibly help a local economy. Lastly, and importantly, there is demand - what do people - Jews and non-Jews want and how do they ask for it? Jewish travelers - whether tourists, Holocaust and/or religious pilgrims, genealogists, or whatever - need to ask for more. We need more contemplation, less kitsch. - SDG