In the Polish town of Gniełoszów, remnants of Jewish life have been thoroughly erased. Disturbingly, even tombstones from the desecrated cemetery have been repurposed into millstones and paving stones. This situation resonates with current events, where facts are manipulated and history rewritten to fit present-day political agendas. As International Holocaust Remembrance Day approaches, it’s crucial that we all speak up.
Our journey in Gniełoszów began back in 2014. Anita was there to rededicate the Jewish cemetery where her family had once been buried, while Yoav captured the moment for a film. We had no clue that this simple act of remembrance would evolve into a decade-long mission to uncover narratives of grief, silence, and the pressing need to face uncomfortable truths.
The rise of anti-Semitism today is alarming and should be a wake-up call for Americans.
Interestingly, the Polish President’s Office has requested that our film be removed from Polish television and streaming platforms. Our documentary, “Among Neighbors,” shifts focus from Nazi atrocities to the experiences of Polish individuals after the war. Some Jewish survivors returned home only to encounter violence, sometimes even lethal, from those they once considered neighbors. This narrative is frequently overlooked, highlighting both the heights of human kindness and the depths of cruelty.
In an emotional turn, the oldest residents of the town break decades of silence, revealing long-held secrets. Their poignant stories are animated through hand-drawn sequences infused with magical realism. Two individuals, in particular, bring life to our narrative: Yaakov Goldstein, one of the few surviving Holocaust witnesses from Gniełoszów, and Pelagia Radecka, an 85-year-old Polish woman who shares her evocative firsthand account.
However, sharing these truths is not without its challenges.
In 2018, the Polish government enacted a law that punishes anyone who attributes blame to Poland regarding the Holocaust. It’s a move that threatens the very testimonies our film presents. This chilling atmosphere extends beyond Poland, affecting regions impacted by rising historical revisionism and anti-Semitism.
Right now, why is this story particularly vital? Well, the forces aiming to change historical narratives aren’t confined to any single country or time period. In fact, instances of violent anti-Semitism are increasing in the U.S. Recent events, like the arson at a Jewish Student Center in San Francisco or incidents involving public figures, reflect a growing acceptance of hateful ideologies. Young people, unfortunately, can be particularly susceptible to these influences, steering society down a precarious path.
Historically, the welfare of the Jewish community has often mirrored the overall health of society. An uptick in anti-Semitic attitudes not only undermines progress but also signals a cultural decline. The history of powerful kingdoms turning against Jewish people is extensive—from ancient civilizations to Nazi Germany; many now exist merely in textbooks or as fantasies espoused by extremists.
Our film aims to galvanize action. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging complex histories and the consequences of our collective decisions, long after we’re gone.
To preserve the memories of Jewish individuals who lived and died in Poland, we crafted “Among Neighbors” to engage audiences with these lost stories, encouraging them to wrestle with the uncomfortable truths that continue to affect our world.
In light of rising attempts to distort historical facts for political convenience, our documentary serves as a vital counter-narrative. True patriotism isn’t about glossing over painful chapters of history; it lies in confronting them openly.
Thus, we’re screening this film in theaters, festivals, community centers, and schools, both in the United States and abroad. Stopping efforts to silence an important narrative is essential, as they often only fuel greater interest in these stories.
As the last direct witnesses of this history pass away, it’s our collective duty to face it honestly. Memory is our heritage. Let’s not squander it.
