In , we continued to rebuild Jewish life in Krakow with weekly Shabbat dinners, celebration of Jewish holidays and dedicated programming for the entire range of our community from preschool kids to Holocaust Survivors. In , we organized hundreds of meetings and events for all members of our community: seniors, students, and families.
We held weekly Shabbat dinners and holiday meals for our community and friends, as well as events open to the public. Our JCC also continued to support Ukrainian refugees by offering them accommodations, by providing food, medical, and psychological assistance, and by helping refugees find jobs. Following the October 7 terrorist attack against Israel, we also welcomed and helped dozens of displaced Israelis who found themselves stranded in Krakow.
In , our community grew to encompass over 1, members, including:. Holocaust Survivor. Bernard was born in Krakow in As a teenager, he survived the Krakow Ghetto and five concentration camps.
Out of over 50 in his family, only he and his two older brothers survived. Bernard has become an indispensable leader and member of Krakow's Jewish community. He volunteers in the food pantry and is the oldest Ride For The Living participant. He constantly educates and inspires others. Displaced Ukrainian. Siuzanna is a year-old preschool teacher born in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. She and her parents left the country due to its civil war and found a new home in Ukraine.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in , Siuzanna fled to Poland, causing her to be separated from her husband who had to stay. JCC Krakow welcomed her upon arrival and provided safety and warmth for Siuzanna and her family. We are here solely because of the JCC. The humanity I've experienced from all the staff and volunteers at the center is something I've never encountered in my life. The incredible support, kindness, and smiles I receive here make me feel at home.
