The Polish authorities have been simultaneously whipping up anti-Semitic propaganda for domestic purposes and making friendly moves towards Jews in order to protect the regime’s overseas image, according to a study by the Institute of Jewish Affairs, research arm of the World Jewish Congress.
The Institute’s latest research report, by Dr. Lukasz Hirskowicz, noted that during the first few weeks following the introduction of martial law on December 13, 1981, anti-Semitic propaganda was widely disseminated in Poland despite official assurances that the government would “combat anti-Semitism resolutely.”
Hirskowicz, who has closely monitored official media and other Polish propaganda channels, wrote that anti-Semitism has been used for two interlocking purposes –“to discredit the leaders of the opposition, the great majority of whom are now interned, and to divert attention from Poland’s ills.”
VARIOUS DEVICES WERE USED
Various devices were used to identify individuals as Jews or connected with Jews. In the first weeks of martial law, general anti-Semitic propaganda by leaflets, posters, placards, and graffiti also played a considerable role.
Much of the propaganda, the report said, bore the imprint of military specialists of psychological warfare and disinformation. Many of the Polish anti-Semitic allegations also mirrored those in the Soviet press and radio, demonstrating that the Soviets approved of them.
From Mid-January, however, there has been a gradual slackening of anti-Semitism in the official media, suggesting anxiety that the regime’s image abroad might be damaged.
Hirskowicz concluded that the Polish authorities are very interested in using the Jewish organizations in Poland to improve their image in the West and in the continuation and maybe extension of the links between Polish and world Jewry.
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.
