Past Event

Polish Controversies and Legislation on the Holocaust

This event is co-sponsored by the History and Public Policy Program and the Rabin Chair Forum at George Washington University.

Until recently, Poland was perceived as an encouraging example among post-communist states on coming to terms with the Holocaust. This changed following the adoption of controversial legislation penalizing those who assert Poland’s co-responsibility for some of the Holocaust crimes and other major crimes of the 20th century. Following an international outcry, the most controversial fragments of the legislation were removed. However, the episode changed significantly the standards of public debate on Polish-Jewish history in the country and affected Poland’s image abroad.

Professor Dariusz Stola presented the controversy and its consequences in the longer framework of Polish debates on the Holocaust.

Hosted By

Kennan Institute

The Kennan Institute is the premier US center for advanced research on Eurasia and the oldest and largest regional program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The Kennan Institute is committed to improving American understanding of Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the surrounding region though research and exchange.   Read more

Kennan Institute

History and Public Policy Program

A global leader in making key archival records accessible and fostering informed analysis, discussion, and debate on foreign policy, past and present.   Read more

History and Public Policy Program