In a recent episode of the Polish talk show “Gość Wydarzeń” on Polsat News channel, Prof. Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski shared his insights on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. He emphasized the historical and cultural ties between Poland and the Jewish community, stating, “Jews are our brothers.” He further expressed concern for the Israeli citizens, urging attention to the Israeli issue before its citizens face potential harm.
(Opinions of Teofil Bartoszewski are not necessarily shared by Poland-24.com. They are just an example of one of the sides in the current debate)
Bartoszewski also touched upon the political dynamics in Poland. When asked about the possibility of Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz taking over as the head of the Ministry of National Defense (MON), he expressed surprise but did not oppose the idea. He praised Kosiniak-Kamysz for his managerial skills and believed he would excel in any ministerial role.
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Teofil Bartoszewski’s dad Władysław Bartoszewski, was a distinguished Polish historian, writer, and politician, renowned for his unwavering commitment to human rights and international cooperation. Born in 1922, he was a survivor of Auschwitz and later became an active member of the Polish resistance during World War II. Bartoszewski’s deep connections to Israel were rooted in his post-war efforts to foster Polish-Jewish dialogue and reconciliation. He co-founded the Council for the Protection of Memory of Combat and Martyrdom and was instrumental in the establishment of the Polish-Israeli Friendship Society. Serving twice as Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bartoszewski played a pivotal role in Poland’s accession to the European Union. Throughout his life, he remained a staunch advocate for peace, understanding, and mutual respect among nations, making significant contributions to Poland’s diplomatic and cultural legacy.
Regarding the Middle East conflict, Teofil Bartoszewski highlighted the challenging position of negotiating with Hamas, given their stance against the existence of Israel. He stressed the importance of supporting Israel, reminding the audience of the nearly three million Jews who perished on Polish soil during World War II. He called for solidarity with Israel, emphasizing the shared cultural, historical, and human rights values.
“Hamas explicitly declares, ‘There must be no Jews from the Jordan to the Mediterranean. There ought to exist only one state, not two. And that should be an Arab state.’ Negotiating with individuals holding such beliefs is challenging,” stated Prof. Bartoszewski. “The support for Hamas in the Gaza Strip is so substantial that distinguishing between a Hamas militant, a terrorist, and civilians who support Hamas, becomes incredibly difficult,” he further added.
The episode concluded with Bartoszewski’s call for understanding and support for Israel, reiterating the deep-rooted connections between Poland and the Jewish community.
“We must address the ongoing issue in Israel before we face a devastating situation where innocent citizens face danger. For nearly a millennium, we’ve shared our lands with Jewish people, who fittingly have been referred to as our ‘elder brothers in faith’ by Pope John Paul II. Our bonds extend beyond faith, they’re deep-rooted in our shared cultural and historical narratives. We advocate firmly for human rights and democracy. We can’t stand by idly while Jewish individuals are victimized daily solely due to their faith. Such actions are not just unacceptable, they represent a fundamental disregard for human dignity. Given that our own history has been marred by the loss of nearly three million Jews, we bear testament to the plight of the Jewish people and lend our unwavering support to the state of Israel.”
