Poland Holds Off Implementing Holocaust Law as Talks With Israel Proceed

Amid reports that the Polish Holocaust Law, which has caused a serious rift with Israel might yet be amended, a high-level Polish delegation was scheduled to arrive in Yerushalayim on Wednesday to discuss the matter.

The law banning public discussion of Polish collaboration with the Nazis will not be enforced in the near future, Polish Ambassador to Israel Jacek Chodorowicz told the Knesset Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Committee on Monday.

“The Polish Justice Ministry committed to not enforcing the new law before there is an in-depth examination of all of its components, including a discussion with Israeli representatives,” Chodorowicz said.

The ambassador indicated that the Polish government was anxious to mend relations, and acknowledged that for the past month, Poland and Israel have been “in the eye of the storm.”

“We will talk about the subject more quietly and peacefully. Too much has been said that was criticized by Israelis,” he stated.

Notwithstanding the conciliatory remarks, the Israeli MK’s treated the Polish diplomat to further criticism.

Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Committee chairman Avraham Neguise (Likud) urged that the law be revoked immediately, and said the Foreign Ministry needs to take steps to fight Holocaust denial.

Yisrael Beytenu MK Yulia Malinovski said, “You can legislate whatever you want, but no one can change history. We appreciate those who helped and saved Jewish lives, but there were also people who participated in the Jewish genocide, and no one has a right to say anything else. It pains me… that there are many who can no longer tell the story of what happened to them.”