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Polish Soldiers Day Observed by Poles and Jews in Jews in Jerusalem

August 17, 1941
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Religious ceremonies, proceeding the celebration today of “Polish Soldiers Day” which commemorate the “Vistula Miracle,” when Polish forces under Gen. Pilsudski threw back the Russians who were almost at the gates of Warsaw, were held here yesterday in the Yeshrun Synagogue.

Attending the ceremonies were representatives of the Jewish Agency, the Vaad Leuni and other Jewish institutions; also representatives of the Palestine Government. Col. Ostrovsky acting Commander-in-chief of the Polish forces in Palestine, the Polish Censul General Kirsak and other high Polish officials were, among the Poles present.

Chief Rabbi Hersog, delivering the sermon, stressed Poland’s hospitality and friendship toward the Jews since the middle ages when King Kazimierz opened the gates of Poland to Jewish refugees, resulting in a “Golden Ago” for Jews and the development of Poland as a center of the Torah. He expressed the hope that a liberated Poland will again safeguard racial, national and religious freedom for all its inhabitants. The Jewish chaplain of the Polish forces, Rabbi Steinberg, also spoke. The chorus of the synagogue sang the Polish and British national anthems, concluding the ceremony with the singing of Hatikva.

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