Egregious freedom of expression — The "Polish Death Camps"

For centuries Poland was the major centre of Ashkenazi Jewish life - religion, literature, the arts, and more. Relations with non-Jews varied greatly by region and by individuals. Often it depended on the economic status of the Jews concerned - there was substantial diversity within the 3 million Jews. Many Jews were very poor. Some were very rich.

Came the Nazis, both Poles and Jews suffered greatly - though the Poles were not market for extermination, millions were killed. Many Poles showed extraordinary courage in helping to hide and save Jews - some paid the ultimate price. Poles and Jews fought together against the Nazis. The Polish resistance helped Jews. [when i say Jews here, i mean Polish Jews as distinct from Polish non-Jews].

But, it is also undeniable that many Poles collaborated with the Nazis and others provided silent support. Many also profited from the displacement of their Jewish neighbours. And there are too many incidents of the murder of Jews who returned to the homes after the war by local Polish groups. Almost no holocaust survivors returned to Poland and stayed. At the very least that raises questions.

So, my own humble opinion for what it is worth, is that it is not correct to say that the Polish government collaborated with the Nazis (which government?) or certainly that all Poles bear the stain of guilt for collaborating. But, it is also not correct to pass a law discouraging discussion about this or to suggest that are no moral problems involving many Polish people who acted despicably in this period. And Polish people today ought to know about this and acknowledge it.

If they wanted to, the leaders in Jerusalem and Warsaw could explain the matter quite simply - and encourage clarification. Oh, yes, but they are politicians and they probably don't want to.