Polish Jewry

Polish Jewry
State Medal

The first Jewish settlers in Poland arrived in the early 2nd millennium CE as refugees from persecution in Western Europe. Originally, they regarded the country as a temporary refuge, their ultimate longing being for the Land of Israel. Jewish communities' right to existence in Poland was authorized by the Polish sovereigns, who derived economic advantage from this protection. The institutionalized Polish Jewish settlement was hard hit by the persecutions of 1648/9. This crisis was the backdrop to the growth of the Hassidic movement founded by the Ba'al Shem-Tov, and the opposing movement led by the Vilna Ga'on. Prior to its destruction in World War II, Polish Jewry numbered 3.5 million. Little remains today of this illustrious past.

Obverse: The words "Polish Jewry" in Hebrew are formed by desecrated Jewish tombstones. In the background is a burning Jewish village, a lit menorah and a fleeing refugee. Along the circumference the words "SAW YOU WELTERING IN YOUR BLOOD" and the source "Ezekiel 16:6" in Hebrew above and in English below.

Reverse: Jewish village in Poland with its typical folk characters. To the right, depiction of a refugee, a symbol of the Wandering Jew, fleeing eastward, suggesting longing for the Land of Israel. Along the circumference, the words "IN MEMORY OF POLISH JEWRY", above in Hebrew and below in English.

Edge: State emblem with words "STATE OF ISRAEL' to the right in Hebrew and to the left in English. On silver medal, "S 999.9".

Designer: Nathan Karp.

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan.

Mint: Hecht