There is a country... Zionism in Krakow - conference

What was Zionism, and what were the goals of the Zionists? When and why did this movement arise among European Jews? Were all Jews Zionists before the war? What was the attitude of Jewish society towards Zionism and Zionists? What social classes did the activists come from? What was the attitude of the Polish state towards Zionists before the 2nd world war?

During the seminar, we will learn about the main Zionist parties in Krakow and their significance in the political activities of the Krakow City Council. We will hear about rallies, demonstrations, and pioneers of the Zionist movement, about the education of Jewish youth, and the formation of Zionist attitudes among Krakow Jews. We will learn about the influence of Theodor Herzl and the main figures of Zionism in Krakow. The history of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the participation of Krakow Jews in it will also be presented.

The event is organized in cooperation with the Center for Studies on the History and Culture of Krakow Jews at the Jagiellonian University.

9:00–9:05 a.m. Official opening and welcome of seminar participants by the CEO of the Museum of Krakow

9:05–9:15 a.m. Introduction of seminar participants by Dr. Alicja Maślak-Maciejewska (Center for Jewish History and Culture Studies at the Jagiellonian University/Institute of Jewish Studies at the Jagiellonian University) and introductory remarks by Piotr Figiela (Museum of Krakow)

9:15–9:50 a.m. Prof. Joshua Shanes (Center for Israel Studies at the College of Charleston): Religious Zionism in Krakow (online lecture)

9:50–10:20 a.m. Ass. Prof. Leszek Hońdo (Institute of Jewish Studies, Jagiellonian University): The beginnings of Zionism in Galicia, as exemplified by Lviv, Tarnów, and Krakow

10:20–10:50 Dr. Alicja Maślak-Maciejewska (Center for Studies on the History and Culture of Krakow Jews, Jagiellonian University/Institute of Jewish Studies, Jagiellonian University): Zionist youth in Krakow before the outbreak of World War I

10:50–11:20 COFFEE BREAK

11:20 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Prof. Czesław Brzoza: Zionists as a political force in Krakow, 1918–1939

11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Dr. Jacek Stawiski (Galicia Jewish Museum in Krakow): The involvement of Krakow Jews in the establishment of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem

12:20 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Piotr Figiela and Dr. Przemysław Zarubin (Museum of Krakow): Zionist youth and student organizations in interwar Krakow: sports, education, and scouting

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Discussion (moderator: Dr. Alicja Maślak-Maciejewska) and closing of the session