In an article by Howard Husock describing a cycling trip from the Auschwitz Memorial to the Polish city of Cracow, called the Ride for the Living, the author recalls his experience in Poland regarding the atmosphere towards Jewish culture in the country.

The bike trip was attended by some 200 people, mostly Jews, including high-profile officials such as the Israeli ambassador and the chief rabbi of Poland. The author points out that they were escorted by a phalanx of police cars and motorcycles, but the only reason for such treatment was to protect the bikers from car traffic. 

While passing through Polish villages those attending the trip could see people cheering and welcoming them. He also noted there were no additional security measures during other activities in Cracow, ones that Jewish people got used to while travelling around the world.

As it was said by a speaker during the event, Mr Jonathan Orstein, a leader and creator of the Jewish Community Centre in Cracow, right now “Poland is the safest place for Jews in Europe.”

The author also emphasised the clear contrast between visiting synagogues and other Jewish events around Europe and the US with high police presence to protect those sites from antisemitic acts. Poland on the other hand keeps the atmosphere of tolerance, and, as “Europe’s bulwark against the Russian war on neighbouring Ukraine,” welcomed all those who needed help, including Jews from the east. 

You can read the full New York Post article about Poland and the Ride for the Living initiative here

Tomasz Modrzejewski

Photo: PAP/Stanisław Rozpędzik