Polish-Jewish history

Polish-Jewish history spans over a millennium, with Jewish communities thriving in Poland since the Middle Ages, contributing to culture, commerce, and scholarship. Despite periods of coexistence, Jews faced oppression, including expulsions and discriminatory laws, notably under partitions and during the Holocaust, when Nazi Germany systematically murdered six million Jews, most of whom lived in Poland. After World War II, survivors rebuilt their communities, but many emigrate due to ongoing tensions. Today, Polish-Jewish history reflects a complex interplay of vibrant cultural contributions, tragic persecution, resilience, and ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and remembrance.