JDC Delegation Attends 60th Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

The Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising has become a full-fledged, nationally recognized event in Poland. The 60th anniversary observances were planned and organized under the direction of the Office of the President of Poland in cooperation with the Office of President Katzav of Israel.

A JDC delegation dealing with the issue of Property Reclamation Mission visited Warsaw during the Commemoration and took an active role in most of the events. In addition to participation in anniversary observances, the delegates visited the Jewish Historical Institute and met with local Jewish leaders; high-ranking officials of the United States Embassy; managers of the Foundation for Jewish Heritage; and young participants in the March of Living.

JDC, which provided cash assistance and social services to the Jews trapped in the Warsaw ghetto during WWII, currently provides the modern Jewish community of Poland with support as they meet the needs of Holocaust survivors who predominate the community and encourage efforts to attract and sustain younger and unaffiliated Jews.

The principal events of the observance of the anniversary took place on April 19th and on April 29th and 30th. The official, historical date of the Uprising was on April 19th, and on that date, ceremonies were held at the Warsaw Ghetto Monument; representaties from JDC were present and laid wreaths and flowers at the Monument. Prayers were then said in remembrance.

The official observance of the 60th Anniversary concluded with a concert at the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra Hall; the music had been composed by a Jew who perished in the Trazeinsztat concentration camp.

Prior to the concert, attended by the JDC delegation, speeches were given by Israel President Katzav, the President of Poland, and Michael Freedman, the Chairman of The European Jewish Congress. The few surviving heroes of the Uprising were awarded Poland’s most prestigious civilian honors. In addition, these heroes received the highest praise from the two national leaders and a representative of the Polish Army. Perhaps most moving of all was the emotional and lengthy standing ovation given the heroes by everyone in the concert hall.