NO MORE POLISH JOKES

After spending some time in Poland I have come to appreciate the resilience and the courage and the intelligence of this country and culture. There has been, as far back as I can remember, the expression, “that Is beyond the pale.” I never understood or appreciated what that meant.  Now I do. No more Polish jokes – it is inappropriate an inaccurate (except for Martin).

The borders of Poland went almost to Moscow at one time – many years ago. But in the last few years, mainly the 19^th and 20^thcentures Poland either did not exist at all or the borders moved according to the occupying nations.  For a period of time there were no borders as there was no Poland. That fact is mazing as these are very ingenious and creative people but they have existed between two countries that could overwhelm them and did.

Russia to the East and Germany to the west. Poland underwent so many revolts, however, when Poland was part of the Soviet Union – Eastern Bloc, as it was known during the Cold War, they did, for the most part enslave Poles, Czechs and Hungarians. First it was the Nazis that did their thing with the Poles. The original “Concentration Camps” such as Auschwitz was for political prisoners from Poland.  The Poles, whose borders were somewhat liquid, were always subject to another invasion or occupation. The Poles rose up during the latter part of the war. They were kids fighting the Nazi soldiers. Adult men were at the font (wherever that may be) or in prisons. They fought with old weapons, broom sticks, hammers – anything that they could use. The fight was futile but they did fight!

 

Near where I was staying was the old Jewish Ghetto. More than 300,000 Jews were either killed or sent to Auschwitz-Bierkenow to be exterminated (that word sickens me because you exterminate rats not people). As I walked up to the Large Memorial Statue I was awe struck as to how much courage it took to go against the Nazis. After the uprising by the people of Warsaw and the Jews in the Ghetto, knowing that the Soviets were 20Km away waiting for the uprising to fail (the Soviets could have helped but chose not to. Stalin would not allow it). No one stopped me, no Nazi, no Communist – no one stopped me as I went off to the side to say Kaddish for the fighters that died. (That is what they were fighting for).

So, the Nazis ordered that the entire city be destroyed. Not just a few buildings or areas – a complete destruction of the city. There was about 10% of the city left after they got through doing their thing. The Warsaw of today is completely rebuilt from the rubble up. Yes, even on top of the rubble they built new structures. So much of that was built had the architecture of good Communism – very utilitarian. The Jewish Ghetto – gone. There was one building that I found, as others have as well, the Synogogue near the hotel. It was sort of hidden on a small street so the Nazis and later the Commies didn’t destroy it. I went in to see the sanctuary and it was a small version of the Synogogue I became Bar Mitzvah in. Very Arshkenazic. Being Orthodox, it had a balcony much like my old shul had for the women. Now there aren’t too many Jews left in Warsaw, Hitler took care of that situation, but many who are there are quite old.  So, to accommodate the women, they set up a partition down stairs so there will continue to be separation at services.

From paintings, later discovered, were used as the blueprint for the old city of Warsaw and the old city was recreated. It looks just as it was, where it was before the WWII. Can you imagine building part a city and recreate it just as it was some hundreds of years before? Not just a small scale version – a 1:1 scale version. That was no easy task and no joke, it took skill and hard work and the dedication of the people to make it happen.

As you stroll down Royal Way from the old city you become enthralled with the notion that you are looking at a city that is less than 60 years old yet has the old world charm. It is a modern, old world city. It is amazing.

In the center of the city is Stalin’s gift to the people. The Palace of Fine Arts. As it was explained to me, the “wedding cake,” as the citizens of Warsaw call it has a wonderful view from the 30^th floor. I went up there to see the view and it was magnificent. The citizens of Warsaw also say that the best thing about the building is that you can’t see that “damn building” from there.

There is more about Poland that I want to share. Krakow is an amazing city with the best hot chocolate you could ever ask for anywhere. It is quite beautiful, even in the snow. The Jewish area is easy to find and quite nice. I visited three Synogogues while I was there and a Jewish book store. Krakow was spared the ravishes of war. But just 75 minutes from Krakow is Auschwitz-Bierkenow. Another blog for another time, when I can write about what I saw.

Since the borders of Poland have been so compromised over the years – Poland even disappeared from the world map for two generations, I may be a Pole. Lithuania and The Ukraine were at times, part of Poland. My maternal family is from Lithuania and my paternal family was from the Ukraine. My paternal grandfather, whose name I carry, was a Russian Army Captain who migrated to the United States to avoid killing Poles. (Way to go, Grandpa!)

To sum it up, the Polish people deserve the respect that they have earned through their blood and sacrifice. Through their wonderful outlook on life and their desire and their ability to bring back what was best about Poland. This is no joke. This is amazing!

Just before I left the hotel for Prague, I checked. I was in room 264 and the room next to me was room 266!

That is my take! I have decided, no more Polish jokes. Now you decide!