*** From [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Konrad M Lepecki)
The Washington Post
March 19, 2001, Monday, Final Edition
SECTION: EDITORIAL; Pg. A16
HEADLINE: Coming to Terms With History
The March 14 front page of The Post brings the story of the Jews of
Jedwabne, who perished during the Nazi occupation of Poland -- killed by their
neighbors. This story stirred an unprecedented debate within our society, with
far-reaching consequences for all Poles. This soul-searching process is part
of our coming to terms with the past -- the most glorious memories as well as
the dark pages, such as the Jedwabne horror.
Many nations have been through this process. The only difference is that
for nearly 50 years since these tragic events, Poles were not hosts in their
own home. Communism enslaved first and foremost the minds. History was a
prohibited subject, for it gave the nation the strength and, as Solidarity
proved in 1980 and in 1989, that was a powerful force.
The way we deal with the Jedwabne horror is a vivid example of the power of
Poland's democracy. It proves that we can cope with even the most difficult
issues, that these will never be swept under a carpet of silence.
Also, we must remember that the Jedwabne pogrom was not carried out on
behalf of the Polish nation or the state. The part of Poland where Jedwabne is
located was under occupation twice in a short time: first by Stalin's, then by
Hitler's, henchmen. From today's perspective it is difficult to comprehend the
horrors people went through.
But if we as a nation have the right to be proud of these Poles who, at the
risk or even cost of their lives, saved Jews -- and more than 5,000 trees at
Israel's holocaust museum Yad Vashem are a witness to that -- we must recognize
as well the guilt of those who took part in their killing. And that we will.
PRZEMYSLAW GRUDZINSKI
Ambassador
Embassy of Poland
Washington
--
Konrad M. Lepecki
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