Q: How would you describe the present state of Polish-Israeli relations?
A: In one word – excellent. The relations between Poland and Israel are improving and getting stronger. There is a continuity from one Polish President to the next Polish President. Also between the governments of Poland and Israel we are sure that the relations will become even better.
Q: With Poland now a member of the European Union, how important are relations with this country for the State of Israel?
A: I think that since Poland joined the European Union in 2004, together with countries that joined at that time, Poland has proved to be a good friend for Israel. As far as Israel is concerned, I think the EU, which now includes 27 countries is a different organization than before 2004. Our relations with the European Union as an institution are improving very much.
Q: In what areas are Polish-Israeli relations liveliest?
A: I would say there is a close defence co-operation between our two countries. Polish forces are stationed in the area as peacekeepers. Our experience with them is very good. There is a lot of Israeli investment in Poland, as well as lot of cultural co-operation, to the extent that the two countries’ authorities decided to assign the year 2008 as a Polish cultural season in Israel and an Israeli cultural season in Poland.
Q: There is solid ground for Poland and Israel to build on, the long history and tradition of Jewish life in this country…
A: I think that culture is one of the most important areas in our relations. After all, Jews have lived in Poland for the last one thousand years and have contributed a lot to life in Poland, to its political, economic and cultural development. I could safely say that our cultural roots are here in Poland. This creates a very good basis for co-operation between the two countries. Before the Second World War there were more than 3.5 million Jewish people living in Poland. Though now the Jewish community here is small, Jewish life and tradition are still interesting to many Poles.
Q: But the development of ties between the people of Poland and the people of Israel was interrupted for three decades following the decision of Poland’s former communist government to break diplomatic relations with Israel. How is this being made up for now?
A: The process of reconciliation could not begin until the late 1980s or early 1990s. Poland was closed to Israelis and Jews for many years. But since the beginning of the 1990s the process has been an intensive one. This year we will be marking the 20th anniversary of visits by youth groups from Israel to Poland. The contacts have developed both on the political and cultural field. Relations between people is not an easy matter. It involves a lot of emotions. I think that we are making good progress, but there’s still a long way to go.
Q: They say that the best way for two nations to come closer together is to enable young people to meet and make friends. What can be done to make this process more effective?
A: It’s important to do it on a mutual basis. There are many more Israeli kids who visit Poland than Polish kids who visit Israel. I think we should work on it. As far as Israelis are concerned, we are now putting more and more effort into ensuring that in addition to visiting the death camps they are more exposed to modern Poland, to Polish culture, and especially that they are able to meet young Poles. They should get together in schools. Our main emphasis should be on the younger generation. I’m very optimistic about the results. I know that when I visit Israeli film festivals here the halls are packed, especially with young people. It’s very positive.
Q: What will be happening in Poland as part of the Israeli season?
A: We will try bring the best of Israeli culture, whether it is the theatre, music or other spheres of culture. There will be a visit by the Habima theatre, the first since 1939. We are going to bring our opera and dance companies. We are going to be the guest country at the book fair in Warsaw in May. The Krakow Jewish Festival this year will concentrate on Israeli performers. We will also continue to encourage the translation of Israeli books into Polish. Last but not least, our Philharmonic Orchestra will come to Warsaw for ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of the Warsaw Jewish ghetto uprising. I’m very happy that Poles will be able to find out more about Israeli society, and that Israelis will have a chance to learn more about Poland during a parallel event in Israel this year.