Jews and Poles in Polish Historiography in Yad Vashem Studies, Volume XIX

Relations between Jews and Poles during the Holocaust - New and Old Approaches in Polish Historiography

This review explores the controversy exemplified by articles which appeared in the Polish-language press in 1986/87, some in response to Blonski’s article, and gives extensive excerpts in English translation. Two approaches are evident: open criticism of Polish attitudes towards the Jews, and the traditional, apologetic distorting or falsifying approach. Issues raised include the attitudes of the Polish underground; attitudes of Polish society to the rescue of Jews; antisemitism in Poland before, during, and after the war; and the economic benefits reaped by Poles following the deportation and murder of the Jews. Soul-searching and criticism of Polish attitudes are particularly pronounced in Catholic circles; no such tendency can be seen in the Communist Party. Writers who have distorted or falsified history, or whose works have antisemitic overtones are Jerzy Slaski, Franciszek Stopniak, and Roman Zygadlewicz.