Jan Karski Holocaust Memorial

 

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A Synagogue is a place of prayer, learning and community. Community not only includes our immediate members but also the larger community both Jewish and non-Jewish.

Over the past few years we have nurtured a great relationship with the Polish Embassy as well as Poland Street, an organisation of young Polish Expats.

Jan Karski!  I hadn’t heard the name(embarrassing ) !!

Karski was a Polish resistance fighter,but his real strength was his diplomacy and he was sent to the West to speak to a number of leaders amongst them,  Anthony Eden and President Roosevelt, both of whom largely ignored him.

The evening started with a welcome by Chazzan Steven Leas. Rabbi Marcus spoke and then welcomed the Ambassador of Poland, Witold Sobkow, who gave us a brilliant summary of  Jan Karski’s life.

The song “Keili, Keili” written by Channa Senesh was beautifully sung and the Movie director and Producer, Martin Smith, gave a very interesting background to how the interview came about.

The film interview of roughly 45 minutes was mesmerising.

The evening ended off with the memorial prayer sung and then the food. The food was the most important, as people of different faiths, nationalities and ages got together to share stories and create friendships.

Overall this was a very interesting and enjoyable evening and thanks to all who helped.