When Poles and Jews emigrated to North America, the relationship between them developed in new ways. This volume looks at various aspects of that relationship, past and present. Key topics include literary and journalistic representations; institutional contacts; attitudes to the Holocaust; the debate over Jedwabne; physical violence and initiatives for mutual understanding. As usual in Polin, substantial space is also given, in 'New Views', to recent research in other areas of Polish-Jewish studies.
Winner of the 2008 Oskar Halecki Prize, awarded by the Polish American Historical Association
'Very successful . . . a comprehensive introduction and eighteen separate essays, arranged roughly in chronological order, which discuss different aspects of interactions between Polish and Jewish ethnic communities . . . a plethora of accomplished scholars focus on sources of tension as well as examples of collaboration . . . a solid, provocative, and much-needed contribution to the scholarship; hopefully it will become a must-read to all those who in the future will undertake further exploration of Polish-Jewish relations in North America.'
Anna D. Jaroszynska-Kirchmann, American Jewish History
'In the last fifteen years serious academic research into Polish-Jewish history has emerged as a burgeoning field at Polish universities. Indeed, Polin has played a major role in disseminating this research among an international audience . . . This volume brings together a number of very specific and more general essays, written by leading representatives of both fields, and from both perspectives. These articles point to a new and promising research sub-discipline in American ethnic history.'
Tobias Brinkmann, Journal of Jewish Studies
'Polin has long been a journal commanding attention and respect. This volume demonstrates that it sets the agenda for scholars of Polish-Jewish studies, contributes to the ongoing dialogue on the history of Polish-Jewish relations, and helps to understand how our relationships with members from each group might improve as a result of greater knowledge . . . Apparent throughout the volume is the immensely valuable service the editors provide to the scholarly community by including views on current happenings.'
Sean Martin, Polish Review
'Polin has for more than two decades defined the field of Polish-Jewish studies. Volume Nineteen continues that tradition by opening up the area of Polish-Jewish relations in North America . . . The introductory articles by the editors stands as a model of its kind. It not only introduces the articles in the collection and ties them together, but also stands as one of the best contributions in the volume for its incisive weaving of the Polish and Jewish stories in North America . . . This volume, like its predecessors, belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in Polish-Jewish relations.'
Thaddeus C. Radzilowski, Shofar
'Rich and diverse . . . a must for anyone taking up serious studies of Jewish issues not only in the United States, but also in Poland.'
Przemysław Różański, Zeitschrift für Ostmitteleuropa-Forschung