Protecting the Memory of Jedwabne: Truth, Remembrance, and Responsibility | AJC

On July 10, 1941, hundreds of Jews were murdered in the Polish town of Jedwabne, a massacre that became one of the most significant and painful symbols of Poland facing its Holocaust-era past. The debate over Jedwabne became one of the most consequential public reckonings in democratic Poland, reshaping the national conversation about history, responsibility, and remembrance. Over the past year, far-right activists have sought to disrupt the annual Jedwabne commemorations, promote a falsified version of history, and spread antisemitic tropes that undermine historical truth and dishonor the victims. Abraham Wasserstein, son of survivor Shmuel Wasserstein, will be joined by Agnieszka Markiewicz, Director of AJC Central Europe, and Chief Rabbi of Poland Michael Schudrich to reflect on this year's commemorations, the legacy of Jedwabne, the growing challenges posed by Holocaust distortion and antisemitism, and the efforts of survivors' families, Jewish leaders, and civil society to defend historical truth and honor the victims. The program will also highlight Shmuel’s legacy, whose eyewitness testimony remains essential to preserving the historical record for future generations.