I agree totally with Martin. I thought this link was a rather positive indication of how things are improving between present day Poles and Jews and I hope that this continues to be the case.
Krystyna Mew
France
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--- In Kresy-Siberia@..., martin stepek <mstepek@...> wrote:
I?€?m writing this in response to messages about the BBC?€?s lack of response or poor response to the various messages they received; also John?€?s message about the Holocaust and how some people perceive Central and Eastern European countries have been quick to say they were victims but not acknowledge involvement in the Holocaust.
I believe we need as a group to approach these related matters but skilfully and strategically. Organisations like the BBC are of huge importance and potential assistance to our cause. Yes, the make mistakes, yes they can be evasive or just not see our point. This happens. I think we should combine unwavering politeness with consistent clear evidence to support our case and to show that others?€? views (as in the recent matter on Radio 4) are not supported by the evidence. If we get no reply we write again, perhaps to a higher manager, and so on, always remaining polite and clear, but adding within our polite manner that a response should have been expected.
Needless to say calling the BBC ?€?morons?€? does not quite fit this strategic approach :-)
Similarly and even more sensitively with Jewish groups. Many are with us, many Jewish people had the same fate as our families in Siberia; and the Holocaust was undoubtedly one of humanity?€?s most unbearable evils, if not its single worst act. We should not, in my view, seek to create a league table of suffering by nation or by historical events. We should rather, be supportive of and helpful towards Jewish and other groups who seek to ensure the world remembers their grievous loss. This is not only humane and compassionate but strategically the best approach.
If we have to correct inaccuracies coming from individuals or groups within the Holocaust-related community we should, as with the BBC combine great politeness, sensitivity and empathy on the one hand, with clear neutrally-stated corrections on the other.
None of this is easy, particularly when the issue relates to something so painful and personal as the fate of our families. But we are here for two reasons; to find out more about the facts of our families?€? fates and those who shared their experiences, and to help promote remembrance and awareness. We do this best by being skilful and strategic. This is best helped by building alliances - as Poland has done so well with Israel despite opposition from some within both countries -not alienating. Of course some people and organisations have extreme and prejudiced views - all causes have this problem - but it is probably not worth engaging with these.
Warm regards
Martin
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