On February 14, the Forum for Dialogue Among Nations celebrated the 15^th anniversary of the Polish - Jewish American Exchange Program, a joint program of the Forum and the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

AJC's Executive Director David Harris, a leading voice for Polish-Jewish reconciliation and cooperation, was the Forum's special guest at the gala event, which was cosponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Other distinguished guests included: Professor Wladyslaw Bartoszewski, Secretary of State at the Prime Minister Chancellery and Plenipotentiary for International Dialogue; Minister Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka, Secretary of State at the Office of the President; Deputy Foreign Minister Jacek Najder; U.S. Ambassador Lee Feinstein; and Deputy Israeli Ambassador Yahel Vilan. Also attended the event were senior members of the diplomatic corps, journalists, representatives of organizations focusing on Polish - Jewish relations, and of course, many of the 150 alumni of the Exchange Program.

 
As a former Auschwitz prisoner, Honorary Citizen of Israel, and in his previous government capacity as Foreign Minister, Professor Bartoszewski spoke about his role of providing institutional support for the program from its very beginning.  He also stressed the role that AJC played in supporting Poland's accession to NATO, and urged investing additional resources in enhancing understanding and interaction, particularly in people-to-people contacts.


In a very moving and personal speech, AJC's David Harris spoke about the exceptional history of Poland, the fight for freedom and independence of the Polish nation and complexity of Polish-Jewish relations. "This unique program has made a significant contribution to the writing of a new chapter in the Polish-Jewish relationship. It was part and parcel of AJC's effort, following the collapse of Communism in Central and Eastern Europe, to reach out and seek to build new relationships, which was impossible during the Soviet occupation. Poland's rapidly developing ties with Israel, the United States, and with the Jewish world fully justify the early steps we took, together with the Forum, and we are proud of all that has been achieved to date." - said David Harris.


Forum President Andrzej Folwarczny expressed his gratitude to those who made this program possible.  He also explained the importance and the ideas behind it. "This program is unique because of several reasons: it is the only exchange program between a Polish NGO and large American Jewish organization.  Every Polish government, no matter who was in power, supported the program. It is unique because of the level of our participants.  And last, but definitely not least, it is unique because of our partner: AJC, which is a special and dynamic organization with a distinctly positive and friendly attitude towards Poland. We cherish this partnership very much." - stressed Folwarczny.


Each year, the Forum and AJC invite outstanding professionals from Poland and the United States to participate in an educational seminar aimed at introducing them to the history, complexity, and contemporary character of Polish-Jewish relations.  For Polish journalists, academics, artists, business executives, and NGO leaders it is an extraordinary opportunity to learn about Jewish life in key American cities and communities (Washington, Chicago, and New York) and, most importantly, to gain better understanding of the American Jewish perspective on Polish-Jewish Relations.

 
On the American side of the Exchange, each year a group of AJC leaders visit Poland and meets with senior politicians, members of the Jewish community, and leading intellectuals and journalists.  They also take part in important cultural events, visit Jewish memorial sites, and tour Poland's major cities.  Through the program, AJC leaders broaden their vision of contemporary Poland, and understand better the nature of the Polish-Jewish relations.

The Forum for Dialog Among Nations would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the help in organizing this event.

 

Pictures from the ceremony

Link to the gallery

Text on the AJC website

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