The New York Jewish Travel Guide had the privilege of speaking with Jonathan Ornstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Center in Krakow, for an insightful conversation about Jewish life in Poland.

NYJTG: Jonathan, thank you for having us today. We’re looking forward to our discussion. Can you give us an overview of the JCC?

Jonathan Ornstein: Absolutely, it’s a pleasure to have you here. The JCC has been a cornerstone of our community for nearly a decade. A pivotal moment in our history was when Prince Charles visited and inaugurated the center, which was initially envisioned as a Senior Citizen Center. However, as we grew, we noticed a burgeoning interest among younger generations in reconnecting with their Jewish heritage. With support from World Jewish Relief and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, we expanded our focus beyond serving just our esteemed seniors and survivors, who remain central to our mission. In 2008, with the gracious opening by Prince Charles, we began our journey, and now we proudly serve a vibrant community of 630 Jewish members.

The JCC has evolved into a dynamic hub for the revival of Jewish life. While we are dedicated to rebuilding Jewish life in our community, we have also become a key destination for Jewish visitors. In 2016 alone, we welcomed over 100,000 visitors from around the world, including many American Jews from various federations and synagogues. These visitors come not only to explore Holocaust history but also to engage with the broader resurgence of Jewish life in Poland. Our center has become the epicenter of this revival, offering diverse programming for all ages, much like a JCC you might find in the United States. We are also in the process of establishing a Hillel, with our Rabbi leading classes, hosting weekly Shabbat dinners, and providing a wide range of other activities and events.

“Getting ready for the inaugural Ride for the Living”—New York Jewish Travel Guide

NYJTG: Tomorrow night, the JCC will host a sponsored dinner at the Chabad Center. Can you tell us more about this event?

Jonathan Ornstein: Absolutely, tomorrow night’s dinner is the opening event for the annual “Ride for the Living,” and you’re more than welcome to join us. We’re expecting about 200 people for both tonight’s dinner and tomorrow night’s Shabbat dinner. The Chief Rabbi of Poland, Michael Schudrich, will also be in attendance and will participate in the bicycle ride with us. This event has evolved into something truly remarkable. Traditionally, people came to Poland mainly to learn about the Holocaust, but now they can explore a rich thousand-year history of Jewish heritage and witness the incredible revival of Jewish life. While being Jewish in other parts of Europe might present challenges, Poland is experiencing a renaissance. Young people are discovering their Jewish roots almost daily, often learning about their heritage from their parents or grandparents and embracing it with pride.

Interestingly, we have over 50 non-Jewish volunteers at the JCC. These dedicated young individuals, despite not being Jewish themselves, are deeply committed to helping rebuild the Jewish community. They assist us at reception, welcome new members, and contribute significantly to the resurgence of Jewish life here.

“Dinner during the Jewish Culture Festival” – JCC – New York Jewish Travel Guide

NYJTG: You mentioned earlier that the JCC in Krakow has around 600 to 650 Jewish members. What about those who are not affiliated with the JCC? What is their religious affiliation?

Jonathan Ornstein: Yes, that’s correct. Some individuals are discovering their Jewish heritage and getting involved without formally joining the JCC. Often, they learn about their roots from their parents or grandparents. In the past, various circumstances led their families to conceal their Jewish identity or change their names. With changing times and increasing acceptance, these individuals now feel safe and comfortable embracing their heritage.

Their religious affiliations are diverse; some become more religious, while others adopt a more secular perspective. We view ourselves as a gateway into the Jewish world. For those wishing to deepen their religious connection, we offer support. Likewise, for those interested in engaging with Jewish culture, we provide guidance. This reflects the dynamic role we play—a point of entry into the Jewish world and a significant symbol of Jewish life.

The Jewish Community Center in Krakow – New York Jewish Travel Guide

NYJTG: Have you seen a consistent increase in both membership and international visitors?

Jonathan Ornstein: Absolutely, we’ve seen steady growth in our membership. We launched membership initiatives only four or five years ago, and we now have over 600 members. While we mourn the loss of some of our older members, we’re excited to welcome many young individuals who are joining our community.

In terms of international visitors, we continue to experience a steady influx, particularly from the USA and Europe, often through group travel. We host groups almost daily and have established strong connections with several synagogues in New York City, such as Town and Village Synagogue, Central Synagogue, and Park Avenue Synagogue. These connections have brought us groups of 85 and, more recently, 170 people from these synagogues alone. Visitors come to Poland not only to study its history but also to witness the revival of Jewish life. It’s not just about outsiders visiting; many individuals with Jewish roots, including Poles, are discovering their heritage and actively engaging with our community.

Jewish Community Center, Krakow – New York Jewish Travel Guide

NYJTG: Would you say that there’s no anti-Semitism in Poland?

Jonathan Ornstein: Anti-Semitism exists everywhere, and it’s not entirely absent in Poland. However, it’s worth noting that the level of anti-Semitism here is not as pronounced as in some other places, including the United States. In fact, anti-Semitism in Poland has been decreasing, especially among younger generations who are more supportive of our efforts. I believe that rebuilding Jewish life in Poland is relatively safe. While security concerns might be more prominent in other parts of Europe, we don’t feel threatened here, and our aim is to remain as open as possible.

NYJTG: Would you consider the JCC to be the center of the Jewish community here? Are there other major events or activities besides the festival?

NYJTG: Are there any new developments at the JCC?

Jonathan Ornstein: Absolutely, we have some exciting updates. We’re opening a kindergarten, which will be the first Jewish school of its kind in this area. The construction is almost complete, and I’d be happy to show you the new school. Additionally, Hillel is expanding in Krakow and will officially open next Friday. We have a vibrant student group that has transitioned into Hillel, and our community is growing rapidly. We’re also seeing an increase in visitors from around the world who reach out for assistance with accommodations, travel, dinners, and meetings. It’s an exciting time for us.

Kindergarten at the JCC – New York Jewish Travel Guide