Secretary of State, Eric Pickles explores Jewish Community Centre in Krakow

The Jewish Community Centre opened in April 2008 in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, and is a central hub for members of the community to come together for social, educational and religious programmes. It is mainly run by volunteers and continues to attract over 500 members of the Jewish Community in Krakow. Mr Pickles was met by the Centre’s Director Jonathan Ornstein on Friday morning to discuss the impact the Centre has had on the community. Following the meeting, Mr Pickles took the opportunity to spend time with those who work, volunteer and benefit from the Centre and also toured the facilities. He met Zofia Radzikowska, a 76 year old Holocaust survivor who studies Hebrew and Spanish at the centre and comes to the Senior Club every day, as well as Alicja Beryt who is a student, designs all the centre’s posters and meets other young Jewish students at the Centre’s club.

Since its conception, this Jewish Community Centre has received remarkable support. Most notably, this includes HRH the Prince of Wales who became a Patron of the centre in 2008. Following his visit to Krakow in June 2002 His Royal Highness saw the circumstances of the remaining elderly members of the Jewish community and contacted WJR to identify the most appropriate means of assistance.

The centre is dedicated solely to satisfy the communal welfare, educational, social, religious, and day-care needs of people of all ages within the community. It includes a Children’s Space with workshops, holiday celebrations and social activities. The centre has also hosted exhibitions for the thousands of tourists who visit Krakow each year, Jews and non-Jews alike.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles said;

“Jewish communities have a strong and distinguished tradition of philanthropy and social intervention. World Jewish Relief is a fine example of an organisation that seeks to make a positive difference not just to the Jewish community, but the community in the widest sense.

“It has been a privilege to see the work of the Beit Chayil, community centre in Krakow and hear from those people who benefit everyday from its wide range of programmes and activities”.

Jonathan Ornstein the Director of WJR’s Jewish Community Centre in Krakow added;

“Over the past three years JCC Krakow staff and volunteers, with WJR’s assistance, have all worked incredibly hard to ensure that the JCC Krakow is a focal point for this emerging Jewish community. The Centre is acting as a long awaited catalyst to bring life to a quiet, hidden and relatively unsupported Jewish community. The world is beginning to recognize that this historic Jewish city, widely known solely for its tragic Jewish past, still has an important Jewish future. The JCC is at the heart of this critical renewal activity. From language lessons and Israeli dance workshops to psychologist sessions and family therapy, this Centre is the biggest support system for the local Jewish community here in Krakow. Mr Pickles visit is fantastic recognition of the exceptional hard work that takes place here day in and day out.”