Anti-Semitism in Poland during the 1930s and World War II: A Mixed Picture

Poland, a nation with a significant Jewish population, faced its own share of anti-Semitic sentiments alongside other parts of Europe during the 1930s and through much of World War II. Understanding the context and complexity of this period is crucial to comprehending the political, social, and economic factors that influenced the attitudes and behaviors of both Jewish and non-Jewish Poles.

Pre-War Anti-Semitism in Poland (1930s)

During the 1930s, Poland experienced unprecedented economic hardship due to the Great Depression, which created competition for jobs, resources, and educational opportunities. This period of scarcity intensified irrational and sometimes violent sentiments towards Jews. While not the most extreme in Europe, Poland did harbor anti-Semitic sentiments, influenced by broader European trends of the era.

The antisemitic atmosphere in Poland was not uniform. While some forces, particularly the ruling Sanation Party (Sanajca), supported economic boycotts and university access restrictions, others were more vocal in their anti-Semitic stances. Roman Dmowski, a prominent antisemite, and his supporters advocated for more harsh measures, including stripping Jewish citizens of their citizenship and relegating them to ghettos. Their vision was more aligned with Nazi policies rather than the more limited and ineffective forms of anti-Semitism practiced by the Sanation Party.

For instance, in May 1939, as final exams neared, a group of Poles attacked Jewish students with knives. Additionally, Poland's military leadership, under Eduard Rydz-Smigly, initially barred Jews from military service, although this ban was reversed shortly after. These incidents highlight the deep-seated prejudices and occasional violent acts that took place in Polish society.

World War II: A Diverse Spectrum of Behavior

The period of World War II brought about a mixed response to the Jews, with both heroic gestures of aid and shameful betrayals. On one hand, some Poles risked their lives to save Jews from Nazi persecution, and the Polish Home Army (AK) assisted in the rescue efforts. Even within the ranks of the AK, Jews were often accepted, and some were provided with weapons to fight against the Nazis, such as in the uprising in Warsaw in 1943.

However, the same period saw the actions of anti-Semites who betrayed and collaborated with the Nazis. The Polish Police and the militia (smalkovniks) sometimes handed over Jews to the Gestapo, leading to their persecution. These actions were compounded by the NSZ, another military faction, which often targeted Jews, falsely naming them as communists, a tactic also used by some AK units.

This diverse spectrum of behavior underscores the complex and multi-faceted nature of anti-Semitism in Poland during this tumultuous period. It was not monolithic but rather a reflection of the political, social, and economic context that influenced the actions of individuals and groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Poland was certainly not immune to anti-Semitic sentiments during the 1930s and throughout World War II, the picture is not entirely bleak. Heroic acts of bravery and resistance against Nazi persecution were common, alongside tragic examples of collaboration and betrayal. Understanding these nuances is essential for a comprehensive and accurate historical account of the period.

Keywords

anti-Semitism, Poland, World War II, Jewish persecution