“To Grow in Ways You Never Expected”: A Q&A with 2024 Ralph I. Goldman (RIG) Fellow Dominika Zakrzewska

From Rwanda to Israel to India and beyond, Dominika Zakrzewska witnessed the breadth and depth of the Jewish world as the 2024 JDC Entwine Ralph I. Goldman (RIG) Fellow. JDC’s premier leadership opportunity, the RIG Fellowshipprovides participants direct exposure to local communities around the globe and key challenges confronting the Jewish people. As she looks back at her experience, Zakrzewska sits down with us to reflect on her life-changing year with JDC and what she feels inspired to do next. 

Let’s start with your story. What makes the Polish Jewish community so unique? How have you seen Jewish life change in Poland over the course of your life?

The Jewish community in Poland is unique due to its rich historical legacy, cultural resilience, and ongoing revival after near destruction during the Holocaust. Despite the immense tragedies my community has faced, it has retained its identity, with deep roots that trace back centuries, contributing significantly to Poland’s cultural and intellectual landscape. 

Over the course of my life, I’ve witnessed a remarkable resurgence of Jewish life in Poland — the restoration of synagogues, the establishment of cultural and educational institutions, a growing interest in Jewish heritage among both Jews and non-Jews, and the founding of the JDC-supported Warsaw Jewish Community Center (JCC) —  a hub for Jews of all ages. This renaissance is driven by a young generation eager to reclaim and celebrate their heritage, fostering a renewed sense of pride and continuity within the community.

How would you describe the RIG Fellowship — and Entwine, more fully — in your own words?

The RIG Fellowship is an extraordinary program that equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to become impactful leaders within the global Jewish community. It offers a unique blend of immersive learning, cross-cultural engagement, and hands-on project work, creating an environment where individuals can deeply connect with the values of service, resilience, and community-building. 

JDC Entwine, of which the RIG Fellowship is part, is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant network of young Jewish professionals committed to global change. Entwine offers meaningful opportunities to address pressing social issues and make tangible contributions to both the Jewish community and the broader world through a variety of short- and long-term programs.

Not only are you a Jewish professional, you’re also an academic researcher. Which questions are you exploring? What inspired you to do this research?

My academic research focuses on understanding and addressing issues related to the perception of minorities, prejudice, and bias, particularly (but not limited to) the context of Polish-Jewish and Polish-Israeli relations. I explore how historical and contemporary biases shape intergroup relations and societal attitudes towards minorities. My work investigates prejudice-reduction mechanisms, aiming to foster more inclusive and tolerant communities. For instance, I have studied how integrating local community histories and cultural artifacts into educational practices can enhance a sense of belonging among Jewish youth​.

This research overlaps significantly with my work in the Jewish nonprofit sector. By applying academic findings to real-world contexts, I aim to create strategies that address prejudice and bias while strengthening Jewish community life. Insights from my studies on the importance of cultural education and historical awareness directly inform the development of community programs that promote intercultural dialogue and cooperation. Overall, my dual role as an academic and Jewish professional enables me to contribute to both scholarly discourse and community development, working towards a more inclusive Polish society and vibrant Jewish life in Poland and beyond.

What has been one of the greatest influences in your life — whether that be a person, book, film, or class? How did it shape you into the person you are today?

One of the greatest influences in my life has been the legacy of Janusz Korczak, a Polish-Jewish pioneering educator and children’s rights advocate. Korczak’s unwavering dedication to the welfare and dignity of children, even in the face of unimaginable adversity during the Holocaust, has profoundly shaped my personal and professional journey. Growing up in Poland, I was affected by the physical and psychological consequences of the Holocaust on the Jewish community and broader society. His philosophy of respecting and listening to children and his courageous actions inspired me to pursue a career that intertwines education, social justice, and community building.

Korczak’s impact is evident in my approach to the work I’m doing, where I strive to empower the next generations of Polish Jews with a sense of pride in their history and the achievements of their ancestors. His belief in the potential of every individual resonates with my goal of being a leader who nurtures others’ growth, believes in their abilities, and encourages them to take action.

Ralph I. Goldman (1914-2014) was JDC’s Honorary Executive Vice President, and a builder of the State of Israel. What does Ralph Goldman’s legacy mean to you?

Ralph I. Goldman’s legacy holds profound meaning for me — it exemplifies a life dedicated to the service of the Jewish people and the rebuilding of Jewish communities worldwide. His work with JDC and his role in the establishment of the State of Israel resonate deeply with my own journey and aspirations. Growing up in Poland, I was acutely aware of the immense challenges faced by the Jewish community post-Holocaust. Goldman’s relentless commitment to Jewish resilience and continuity inspires my efforts to revitalize Jewish life in Poland, blending historical reverence with modern innovation.

Ralph Goldman’s vision of a global Jewish community united by shared values and mutual support is a guiding principle in my work. His emphasis on education, leadership, and cultural preservation aligns with my efforts to foster an environment where Jewish identity can flourish amidst contemporary challenges. By championing initiatives that promote social justice and intercultural understanding, I strive to create bridges between diverse groups, much like Goldman did. His legacy encourages me to pursue excellence in my academic and professional endeavors, ensuring that the Jewish community in Poland not only survives but thrives, contributing to the broader tapestry of global Jewry.

Your Fellowship came at one of the most difficult times in global Jewish history — the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and war in Israel, the ongoing Ukraine crisis, and rising antisemitism. Given these challenges, why do you think programs like the RIG Fellowship are so important now?

Programs like the RIG Fellowship are crucial at this moment in global Jewish history due to the unprecedented challenges faced by Jewish communities worldwide. The tragic events of October 7th, the ongoing Ukraine crisis, and the alarming rise in antisemitism have created an environment of fear, uncertainty, and fragmentation. In such times, the RIG Fellowship offers a beacon of hope and solidarity by fostering the development of strong, informed, and compassionate Jewish leaders who are equipped to navigate these complexities. By bringing together diverse perspectives and empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to address these crises, the Fellowship plays a vital role in strengthening the resilience and unity of Jewish communities globally.

JDC has a pivotal role in responding to these challenges. As an organization with a long history of supporting Jewish communities in times of crisis, JDC is uniquely positioned to provide immediate relief and long-term support. Their efforts in humanitarian aid, community rebuilding, and combating antisemitism are essential in ensuring the safety and continuity of Jewish life worldwide. In this challenging period, JDC’s work facilitating dialogue, fostering intercultural understanding, and promoting social justice is more important than ever. 

Through programs like the RIG Fellowship, JDC not only addresses the immediate needs of Jewish communities, but also invests in the future by cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to building a more inclusive and resilient Jewish world.

Which place or project has left the greatest impression on you? Why?

This past year was an inspiring period of growth and learning for me, both professionally and personally. Each location I visited through my placements was unique, and I deeply valued the opportunity to collaborate with local JDC offices and learn from their dedicated staff. The time I spent in India and Latin America significantly expanded my understanding of the international Jewish nonprofit landscape and the dynamics of Jewish communities functioning in diverse cultural contexts. 

It was particularly meaningful to witness how diaspora communities integrate local culture with Jewish traditions. However, the most profound impression was left by my visit to the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda — a place that exemplifies how much we can achieve for others. Thankfully, I was able to go there through a JDC Entwine-run trip — Inside Rwanda: The Miller Experience, 2024 — and got to see firsthand how the country has grappled with its tumultuous past post-genocide. Going forward, I will take these insights and practices back to my own community.

What was most challenging about this year? How did you overcome this challenge?

The greatest challenge — and one I eagerly embraced — was navigating diverse cultural and organizational environments. Each country I visited had its own distinct cultural norms governing social and professional life, and I was privileged to immerse myself in them. This experience required a great deal of self-awareness, openness, and analytical thinking. Yet, it provided me with invaluable knowledge and skills that will enrich my future work, as well as the inspiration to conduct thorough research about the places I visited.

Coming out of this experience, what do you feel empowered to do next?

As I move forward from this transformative experience, my dream is to find a role where I can contribute to the work of international Jewish nonprofits by combining project management with promoting intercultural awareness through diverse initiatives.

This experience provided me with invaluable knowledge and skills that will enrich my future work.

Who were some of the integral players in your Fellowship experience? Who helped make this year possible?

Throughout my Fellowship, I had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team of JDC professionals and community leaders who were instrumental in shaping my journey. My mentors and supervisors provided unwavering support, thoughtful guidance, and invaluable insights that deepened my understanding of global Jewish work. Additionally, the local staff at each placement site went above and beyond to ensure I felt welcomed, equipped, and empowered to contribute meaningfully.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the RIG Committee for believing in me, to Jenette Axelrod, Director of Global Programs at JDC Entwine, and Julia Carter, JDC Entwine’s Special Projects Manager, for their unwavering encouragement and guidance that made this transformative year both possible and profoundly impactful. I also want to thank last year’s RIG Fellows, Ronnie Lee-Sneh and Bezawit Abebe, for generously sharing their experiences. Finally, I am deeply grateful to my family and friends, whose steadfast support sustained me throughout this incredible journey.

Now that you’ve had this Fellowship experience, what do you want to tell those who may be on the fence about applying for RIG? Why should they apply?

I’d encourage people to apply for the RIG Fellowship because it’s a truly transformative experience that broadens your perspective and equips you with skills you can carry forward in many areas of life. It immerses you in meaningful work across different regions, allowing you to engage with vibrant communities and tackle real-world challenges. The program pushes you to step out of your comfort zone, develop cultural sensitivity, and build connections that leave a lasting impact both personally and professionally. It’s an opportunity to contribute to something bigger while growing in ways you never expected.

Dominika Zakrzewska is the 2024 JDC Entwine Ralph I. Goldman (RIG) Fellow. A professional manager and educator, Zakrzewska is passionate about coordinating projects in an international and intercultural environment. Her area of focus is countering bias and helping to develop a dialogue between people of diverse backgrounds. Born and raised in Poland, she is dedicated to supporting the revival of Jewish life in Central and Eastern Europe and advocating for minority rights. 

For over a decade, Zakrzewska has merged her work in the Jewish community with an academic career, serving as an Assistant Professor at the M. Grzegorzewska University in Warsaw. After several years of fostering the growth of the local Jewish communities as an educator, project manager, and executive director, she was appointed Vice-Chair at the European Union for Progressive Judaism  (EUPJ) Management Committee.

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