These are all good signs.
The discussion of Germany’s reparations to Poland for losses suffered during World War II is a topic that calls for careful reflection by Polish society and its government. From a moral perspective, the Polish demands deserve a fair response, says Rabbi Art Vernon, a representative of the North American Council of Rabbis who visited Poland. With Poland’s regained influence, there is a clear push to assert a sovereign stance. This moment offers an opportunity to affirm that independence, the rabbi notes.
This is an issue that must be addressed, yet whether the Polish government will secure reparations remains a political question, Vernon emphasizes.
He frames the matter as both a moral issue and a display of strength, self-confidence, and a renewed freedom of choice in the history of the Polish nation, now represented by its government. These are indicators to watch, regardless of the outcome.
Vernon makes clear that he is not a politician, does not participate in political decision making, and simply shares his own opinion that aligns with some NABOR members. NABOR represents only a portion of the Jewish community in the United States and cannot be taken as the voice of the entire community here.
Now that the Polish nation has regained real power …
Vernon, who leads a Conservative synagogue in West Hempstead near New York City, stresses that while the topic of reparations is never simple, he can understand the Polish side’s reasons for raising the issue after so many decades. After World War II there was no Polish government able to advocate for the country, as Russians intervened and made the decisions. In the years that followed, Polish society operated without real leverage in this matter. It makes sense that with renewed power, the nation seeks its own direction, noting this is a historic first chance to do so.
That view is echoed by the rabbi.
It’s time for both sides to come to an agreement.
In an interview with the Polish Press Agency, Vernon recalls receiving a copy of the government’s report on Poland’s World War II war losses currently held by Germany. He has not yet read the entire extensive publication, he says.
Another facet of the issue is that Poland and Germany are both members of the European Union and NATO. As the 78th anniversary of the war’s end passes, there is a shared responsibility to remember the past while pursuing a path that fosters cooperation on a more equal footing for the broader Western community, notes Rabbi Steven Graber from the Valley Stream community on Long Island.
Reparations remain challenging due to historical factors and because of the Soviet era and the puppet state established in East Germany, a period that left Poland with complex legacies. Today, Poland and Germany also face threats from Russia, which has invaded Ukraine, adds Lance Sussman, a retired rabbi from a Reform congregation near Philadelphia.
The balance now lies in addressing historical grievances while strengthening cooperation to confront current security challenges together, Sussman says.
During a PAP interview, the Pennsylvania rabbi discusses the significance of visiting Poland. The journey is meaningful not only because of history but also because of the present reality. Poland once housed one of the world’s largest Jewish communities, and today it stands at the forefront of European affairs. The support offered by Polish society and government extends beyond Poland to Ukraine and to the broader free world, he emphasizes.
Many Jews stand with Ukrainian relief efforts and Polish aid at this moment, underscoring the importance of being present in Poland now, Sussman concludes.
Rabbis Lance Sussman, Steven Graber, and Art Vernon of NABOR participated in an interview for the Polish Press Agency. The moment captured reflects a broader conversation about memory, accountability, and regional cooperation in a time of renewed focus on European unity and resilience.