A “change for the better” in the situation of Jews in Poland was reported today from reliable Jewish sources. They pointed out that it has come too late to be of any value since the vast majority of Jews left Poland in the aftermath of the anti-Semitic purges of 1968-69. According to the sources the improved situation is manifested by the absence of anti-Jewish articles and news items in the press and other media and by a less hostile attitude by officials toward individual Jews such as pensioners, workers in cooperatives and students. The sources stated that this is a change of attitude, not a change of heart on the part of the majority of Poland’s ruling circles. Of the many Jews fired from their positions–in the government, the Communist Party, the communications industry and other fields at the height of the Gomulka regime’s anti-Semitic campaign two years ago–few remain in Poland. But of those few, none have been re-instated, the sources reported. They said that among the remaining Jews there is a residue of bitterness and a feeling that they are witnessing the final liquidation of a 1,000 year chapter of Jewish history. It is obvious, the sources said, that within one generation there will be no Jews left in Poland except a few individuals. They relate the lessening of hostility toward Jews by Polish authorities to an endeavor to follow the Soviet line which, at present, seems to be seeking contacts with Israel. Observers here see some significance in the appointment of Artur Starewicz as the new Polish Ambassador to Britain. Starewicz is of Jewish origin. Up to a few months ago he was not in line for any important appointment.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
