In an interview with PAP, Paweł Jabłoński, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed the status of Polish-Israeli relations, regional security in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and the potential for Germany’s World War II reparations to become a bridge between the two nations. The exchange also touched on how education and cultural exchanges can foster deeper ties between Poland and Israel.
READ ALSO: Deputy Minister Jabłoński highlighted Germany’s reparations in the Knesset, noting that compensating victims serves a shared interest for Poland and Israel.
The journalist noted that Jabłoński had arrived in Israel the previous day and pointed out that bilateral ties have not been easy, partly because Poland still lacks an ambassador there. The question was raised: how should one characterize the current state of relations after a two-day visit?
Jabłoński responded that the moment is among the strongest in recent years for Polish-Israeli cooperation. He recalled past tensions, including a period when the Israeli government asked Poland’s ambassador not to return, yet stressed that ongoing efforts over many months have produced tangible progress. A key achievement is an agreement facilitating educational travel. This agreement promises to improve security for Israeli students studying in Poland and Polish students studying in Israel, while broadening their learning beyond Holocaust studies to include history, culture, and shared values. He emphasized that knowledge about the Holocaust remains essential, but the aim is to present a fuller picture of the German crime and its impact on both nations. The overarching goal is to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and dispel negative stereotypes, unlocking substantial potential for mutual benefit.
Asked what the youth exchanges would look like, the minister said the plan favors freedom and spontaneity over scripted programs. The emphasis is on giving young people space to meet, learn about each other, and explore new experiences. He noted a striking similarity in interests and everyday lives, from favorite apps to Netflix preferences. The idea is to move beyond museum visits and allow genuine interpersonal contact to form the foundation of long-term relations between peoples.
Earlier in Jerusalem, Jabłoński met with Tzachi Hanegbi, head of the National Security Council, to discuss Middle East security and Ukraine’s defense. While Israel has provided humanitarian aid so far, the question remained whether more proactive support could follow.
Jabłoński indicated that Israel has already contributed additional aid, and he urged Israel and other allies to expand their assistance to Ukraine. The discussed priorities include providing military equipment such as aircraft, missiles, anti-missile systems, and anti-drone technology. The aim is to help Ukraine win the war, reflecting a shared interest in deterring Russia and its regional influence, including in Syria and beyond, and in countering the Russia-Iran partnership that complicates regional security.
The conversation also turned to the precarious Middle East situation, with the diplomat stressing that Poland believes the international legal framework must be respected by all parties. While critical of violations, Poland recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself as a state under constant threat from terrorism and external destabilization. In a broader European context, Poland sees itself as a steadfast partner for Israel in the region, supporting a balanced approach that upholds security and stability.
Looking ahead to a visit to Ramallah, the discussion shifted to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Poland’s position. The Oslo Accord requires full observance, as must United Nations resolutions concerning borders. Poland advocates restraining violence and radical rhetoric on both sides, arguing that terrorism and settler aggression must be opposed and that solutions should aim for a two-state framework, as outlined by the UN. The protection of human rights extends beyond Muslims and Jews to include Christians in Jerusalem, whose communities have faced pressure and displacement attempts. The minister highlighted meetings with Christian leaders, including the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, Theophilos III, to emphasize Poland’s commitment to safeguarding Jerusalem’s Christian communities and promoting education about Holocaust-era crimes to prevent repetition in future generations.
Regarding Germany’s World War II reparations, the dialogue in Israel included discussions about Poland’s compensation claims. Poland presented its loss assessments and sought clarity on actions against Germany. The issue, described as a matter of historical justice, matters to Israel as well as other allies. The aim is to ensure accountability for wartime losses, whether financial or property-based, and to explore whether continued cooperation on this topic can yield meaningful outcomes for both Poland and Israel.
In Tel Aviv, a planned meeting in the Knesset with Amit Halevi, chair of the Israeli-Polish parliamentary friendship group, addressed several core topics. They reviewed the progress of educational travel, practical implementations, and bilateral cooperation within international forums. They also reaffirmed mutual support on security concerns, notably Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine and other regional threats. Jabłoński concluded that the relationship is on a robust trajectory, grounded in shared interests and a recognition that collaboration offers far more benefits than disagreements. Even amid ongoing political debates and groups that may wish to see cooler ties, both sides remain committed to strengthening cooperation for the common good.
READ ALSO: — Polish-Israeli consultations, for example to stop Russian aggression against Ukraine. Minister Jabłoński: We care about the memory of our Righteous — Mularczyk writes to German politicians. It’s about reparations. “We hope that the report will become a starting point for conversations and discussions” — More than half of Poles support reparations from Germany. 89 percent favor continuing this policy. ZP voters and 19 percent. KO voters
Mon/PAP
Source: wPolityce