A Beacon of Hope…The Heartbeat of Krakow’s Jewish Revival

In a poignant testament to resilience and renewal, the Jewish Community Centre of Krakow (JCC Krakow), founded by King Charles III, stands as a symbol of hope where despair once ruled. Home to 1100 Jewish members, including 58 Holocaust survivors, JCC Krakow nurtures the pulse of a thriving Jewish community in the city. It warmly welcomes Jewish members inspired by its vision of hope and a promising future. Beyond daily activities, JCC Krakow offers educational programs, weekly Shabbat dinners, and Jewish holiday celebrations, playing a vital role in the community’s rejuvenation, guided by Tikkun Olam – repairing the world. The compelling story of JCC Krakow, under the leadership of Executive Director Jonathan Ornstein, illustrates an optimistic transformation. In a city once devoid of hope for a Jewish future, JCC Krakow now fosters an open, tolerant, and supportive environment, where Jews can explore their heritage and be part of the Jewish renaissance. I had a great opportunity to visit Jonathan at his warm office at JCC.

Please discuss the main focus of the Jewish Community Centre of Krakow (JCC Krakow). What are the Centre’s main achievements since its founding?

I lived in Poland for seven years before the Jewish Community Center (JCC) opened in Krakow. Looking back, one of the most significant achievements I observed is the newfound hope within Poland’s Jewish community. While a number of Jews lived in Krakow, the community’s future once appeared dim and uncertain. Philosophically, hope became the greatest achievement. However, several small steps have also contributed to shaping JCC Krakow into what it is renowned for today. Among these was the opening of a community preschool something previously unavailable in Krakow significantly increasing Jewish membership at the JCC, now numbering over 1100 Jewish members. On a deeper level, it’s vital to emphasize that we are not just another Jewish community; we are one in Krakow, uniquely close to Auschwitz. This location holds symbolic and allegorical importance. Jews and non-Jews participating in the center contribute to this thriving community near Auschwitz, showcasing its strength and resilience to the world, especially to Jews. This flourishing presence in such an unexpected place draws Jewish individuals and other travelers to Krakow, where they witness life and prosperity alongside a site marred by human atrocities and tragedies.

Where do you see potential for growth?

We identify three areas of growth for Krakow’s Jewish community: 1/ people finding out they are Jewish – like my wife. 2/ Ukrainian Jewish refugees arriving in Krakow. Regardless of the war’s outcome, an increasing number of Ukrainian Jews are relocating to Poland, contributing to the community’s growth. 3/ Lastly, we see growth among Israelis and other Jews relocating to Poland from other European countries where they no longer feel safe. Recent historical events have made living as an Israeli increasingly challenging. Conversely, today, Poland stands out as one of the safest and most welcoming places for Jews to prosper, even in these turbulent times. Historically, when Jews find a place where they can both make a living and safely raise a family, they go there and thrive. Today, Poland offers both.

Beyond the local contribution, what is the international impact of JCC Krakow?

Here, I would like to answer with another practical example. We have so far helped over 400,000 Ukrainian refugees, 98% of whom are not Jewish, 90% of whom are women and children. Within 2 weeks of the war starting in 2022 our JCC doubled in size from 35 to 70 full time employees and became a full-scale humanitarian aid operation. We have been housing, feeding, providing job training, language classes, day care, and psychological support since the war started and we continue to help 1,000 women and children a week.

We do so because 80 years ago the world remained silent when the Jews were the victims. Our community has a choice: remain indifferent like the world did during the Holocaust or to say “No!” we have a particular understanding of what happens when people don’t help the other and, therefore, we have a particular responsibility to try to prevent the suffering of others. We have raised and spent over $14 million, over triple our annual budget to help these woman and children. And it has been an honor and a privilege to do so.

You have been involved with the JCC Krakow since its inception and have witnessed thousands of visitors and stories. Can you share a story that had a profound impact on you?

I know my task is to share the story of an ordinary community member, but I feel compelled to reflect on a significant event: the visit of His Majesty King Charles III to the Jewish Community Centre (JCC) in Krakow in January 2025. The idea to aid Holocaust survivors in Krakow and Poland originated with King Charles in 2002. What seemed like a simple act of support has been instrumental in revitalizing the Jewish community both in the city and across the country. At the time, then Prince Charles of Wales reached out to World Jewish Relief in the UK. Their investigation revealed that the small Jewish community in Krakow had the potential to thrive. They recognized that young people in Poland could reconnect with their Jewish roots if provided with appropriate support. Consequently, JCC Krakow was founded in 2008, and our center has been firmly established.

On January 27th 2025, His Majesty King Charles III visited Krakow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the infamous German Nazi concentration and extermination camp. His presence at JCC Krakow was deeply moving for me. The humility and modesty they exhibited serve as an inspiring story to share about the roots and growth of our thriving community today.

It is impossible to change the lives of Jews who suffered during the Holocaust. However, how can the lives of survivors and their families be improved today? What small changes do you think could make a positive difference?

Currently, the Jewish Community Centre in Krakow cares for 58 Holocaust survivors. The oldest is 96 years old, and the youngest was born during the war. They have a special place in the center known as the ‘Survivors’ Club,’ which they visit daily to participate in various classes and lectures. In addition, we provide them with daily support for their medication needs or doctor visits. Some receive housing and food. Especially during COVID-19, we purchased all their groceries, and our JCC Krakow team conducted external activities twice a week to ensure the survivors felt cared for and loved. Lastly, we organize film screenings and discussion clubs to support their social activities. These are small steps that we, as a center, take to support the longevity of Holocaust survivors who are the heart and soul of JCC Krakow.

FRAJDA Preschool is the first Jewish preschool opened in Krakow after World War II, run by JCC Krakow. In your opinion, what seeds should be sown in early childhood education to raise an educated, respectful, and intelligent generation?

As inexperienced educators, we lacked deep knowledge about creating an educational organization. Therefore, we sought guidance from US Jewish educational institutions through the board members of JCC Krakow, as well as our friends in the United States, particularly the Heschel School in New York. They provided us with valuable guidance. Eight years have passed since we opened the preschool, and we are gratified to have an abundance of children.

Could you discuss the Ride For The Living (RFTL) initiative and its contributions to the educational, social, and spiritual spheres for both Jewish and non-Jewish members of the JCC Krakow?

First held in 2014, Ride For The Living (RFTL) is a holistic educational, social, and spiritual fitness experience that allows participants to immerse themselves in Krakow’s Jewish past and present. This annual commemorative event takes place over four days and includes a full schedule of activities. One highlight is a 60-mile (97 km) bike ride from Auschwitz-Birkenau to Krakow, tracing the journey this community took from the darkness of the Holocaust to the light of Krakow today. People from all over the world participate in this initiative. Interestingly, the last time I participated, I rode in tandem with a 95-year-old survivor, a wonderful experience that reminded me of Jewish resilience and perseverance. Now, he is 96 and we will ride together again. Even officials such as the U.S. Ambassador, Israeli Ambassador, and the Chief Rabbi of Poland have participated in this event at various times. Additionally, RFTL serves as a unique fundraising event for JCC Krakow to continue its mission and promote positive change. This year marks the 10th anniversary of RFTL, and we are planning to make the event even more special. We will honor four soldiers from Brothers for Life “Achim La’Chaim” a non-profit organization that supports Jewish and Israeli heroes globally through education, mentoring, social services, and financial assistance as our guests. We will also host children from the Bartali Cycling School. Notably, Gino Bartali, an Italian cyclist, used his celebrity status to help save the lives of Italian Jews during World War II. We hope this year’s ride will be truly remarkable.

As a native New Yorker who moved to Israel in 1994, could you please talk about your journey and the decision-making process that led to this move? What was the turning point for you?

Back then in New York, I took a year off from studying and met someone who had been on a kibbutz, an intentional community in Israel traditionally based on agriculture. I found the idea very interesting, much more so than the cold winter in New York. That’s how I first came to Israel and found my way to the kibbutz. I also made an Aliyah and decided to join the army, and after my service, I returned to the kibbutz. Then, I moved to Poland and fell in love with Krakow and decided to stay and contribute. These were three turning points that led my path to Poland and JCC Krakow.

You spent about seven years in Israel, which gave you a unique opportunity to be close to the Middle East. What are your reflections on the Jewish communities in the Middle East, and how do they differ from those in the West?

I have lived in three different countries for a significant amount of time. Speaking about Poland, I would say that people there are very polite and tend not to say what is truly on their minds. In Israel, the situation is completely the opposite. Israelis are always ready to offer advice, whether you are a family member or a stranger looking for the right bus. They view everyone as part of a large family, so they are not shy about expressing their feelings and are always willing to help in one way or another. Regarding the United States, I would say it finds a middle ground between Poland and Israel. To be more precise, New York is closer to the Israeli example, whereas the United States as a whole is closer to the Polish experience. Culturally, one might think that Poland and Israel are very different. However, I can give you dozens of examples of Israelis who came to Poland and immediately felt as comfortable as they do in Israel. When it comes to Israel, it’s important to mention that Poles have greatly contributed to its formation. Therefore, there is a mutual comfort when people from each country visit Israel or Poland.

Since we’ve discussed the Middle East, I would like to hear your thoughts on the Abraham Accords and their role in reducing radicalization and conflict.

I believe the Abraham Accords represent a remarkably positive development, especially in these challenging times over the past twenty years when there have been few positive advancements in Middle Eastern peace and the coexistence of its peoples. The Abraham Accords are both a turning point and a game changer. They demonstrate the possibilities in the Middle East and show Israel’s commitment to seeking peace through these agreements as a foundational step, which I personally find powerful. I can confidently say that the Abraham Accords represent the most deliberate steps in Israeli politics and diplomacy over the last decade. Unfortunately, these efforts were hindered by the unfortunate events of October 7th, delaying the long-anticipated peace with Saudi Arabia. I sincerely hope that the process will soon resume and that peace agreements will be reached with the leading countries of the region, including Saudi Arabia.

As a founding member of Przymierze, the Krakow Association of Christians and Jews, what are your thoughts on interfaith dialogue and its role in fostering people-to-people ties that transcend geographical boundaries?

There are Jews almost in every country in the world and establishing good relations with the locals and our neighbors is extremely important. Therefore, we need to take concrete steps to foster people-to-people connections, which is what we are doing here in Krakow. We enjoy positive relations with our Christian and Catholic neighbors because the majority of Poland’s population is Catholic. We also hold regular meetings with our interfaith society at JCC Krakow. Although there might be criticism regarding the fact that people participating in interfaith dialogue continue their discussions, I believe these meetings, which bring together so many diverse individuals in one room, remain important. They demonstrate ongoing respect for diversity and can have a significant impact beyond the confines of that room.

What message would you like to share on behalf of JCC Krakow with Jewish youth worldwide about building a better and more inclusive world?

Jews should live wherever they wish to and live well. One of my genuine and long-term goals is to help Jews in Poland and remove the stigma associated with Poland. Specifically, it’s not that people shouldn’t visit Poland to see historical sites related to the Holocaust, but rather, there should not be an “Auschwitz period (.)”, but an “Auschwitz comma (,)”. This signifies a time after Auschwitz when Poland has provided and continues to provide great support to both old and new generations of Jews. Therefore, we still have a lot of work to do at JCC Krakow and beyond to encourage people to visit us and learn more about our vision of an inclusive world.