WJC condemns neo-Nazi activities in Poland: ‘Polish government must stand firm in resolve to crack down on anti-Semitism’

NEW YORK – World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer has welcomed the Polish government’s swift condemnation of fascist activities over the weekend, following an undercover television report revealed a neo-Nazi group celebrating Hitler and burning swastikas.  “Anti-Semitism and xenophobia are rising at an alarming rate in Poland, rearing their ugly heads beyond the fringes of society and into the mainstream,” Singer said. “It is incumbent on both the authorities and average citizens to remain vigilant and make clear such demonstrations of hatred and glorification of violence can have no place in Polish society.”

“The World Jewish Congress welcomes the Polish government’s swift condemnation of this despicable celebration of Nazism and its rightful decision to open a criminal investigation against the parties involved,” Singer added. “But sadly, this was hardly an isolated incident, and must not be treated as such. Just two months ago, an ultra-nationalist rally on Poland’s Independence Day drew an all-time high of 60,000 people, with some demonstrators espousing white supremacist slogans and calling for Jews to be pushed out of Poland.”

“This and all other manifestations of hatred must be treated with the utmost seriousness and punitive action where applicable. We know all too well the horrors that can arise if we let these actions go unfettered,” Singer said. “We hope that the Polish authorities will stand firm in their resolve to crack down on anti-Semitism and ensure that the evil hand of fascism be curbed before it is too late.”