We understand why the issue of reparations by Germany for Poland’s losses during World War II is important to Polish society and government; From a moral point of view, the Polish demands must be resolved, says Rabbi Art Vernon of Long Island, USA, one of the representatives of the North American Council of Rabbis (NABOR) visiting Poland. No wonder that now that the Polish nation has regained real power, it is claiming its own power; it is understandable, this is the first opportunity to do it – says the rabbi.
“These are all good signs.”
This is an issue that needs to be addressed, but whether the Polish government will succeed and receive reparations is a political question
emphasizes Vernon.
We consider this as a moral issue, also as a sign of strength, self-confidence and regaining freedom of choice, history of the Polish nation, represented by its government, these are all good signs whether it will be successful or not.
he adds.
Rabin emphasizes that he is not a politician, does not participate in the political decision-making process and only expresses his own opinion, shared by some other members of NABOR, which represents only part of the Jewish community in the US and cannot be identified. with the voice of the entire Jewish community in this country.
“Now that the Polish nation has regained real power…”
Vernon, who serves at a Conservative synagogue in West Hempstead, on the outskirts of New York, emphasizes that while the topic of reparations is never easy, he understands the Polish side’s motivations for raising the issue of reparations from Germany. understand well.
After World War II, there was no Polish government that could obtain anything on Poland’s behalf; the Russians came in and they made the decisions; for decades Polish society was powerless in this matter; no wonder that now that the Polish nation has regained real power, it is claiming its own power; it is understandable, this is the first chance to do it
notes the rabbi.
“It’s time for both sides to come to an agreement.”
In an interview with PAP, Vernon says that during a study visit from a delegation of American rabbis organized by the Polish Foreign Ministry, he received a copy of the government’s report published a year ago on Poland’s war losses in World War II . hands of Germany, but he has not yet read this extensive publication in its entirety.
Another aspect of the matter is that Poland and Germany are now members of the European Union, NATO, the right side; 78 years have passed since the end of World War II, we must never forget what happened then, but it is time for both sides to come to an agreement to work together on a more equal footing, in the interest of the whole West
— notes Rabbi Steven Graber of the Valley Stream community, also on Long Island.
Reparations are a difficult issue because of history, but also because of the role of the Soviets, who created their puppet state (GDR) in East Germany and wanted it to be unpunished and pay no compensation; Today, Poland and Germany face the threat of Russia, which has invaded Ukraine
says Lance Sussman, retired rabbi of a Reform church in suburban Philadelphia.
So, on the one hand, we need to solve historical problems and correct our relations, but on the other hand, we need to develop cooperation in the face of Russian aggression.
emphasizes Sussman.
In an interview with PAP, the Pennsylvania rabbi emphasizes how important a visit to Poland is to him, not only because of its history, but also because of the present.
Poland was home to one of the largest Jewish communities in our history, and now it is a frontline country. Thanks to their great help, Polish society and government supports not only Ukraine, but the whole free world
he emphasizes.
Many Jews support Ukrainian and Polish aid to this country, it is important for us to be here now
concludes Rabbi Sussman.
kk/PAP
Source: wPolityce