Representatives of the North American Board of Rabbis (NABOR) have emphasized the moral significance of Poland’s claim for war reparations from Germany. The complex issue, arising from Poland’s material losses during World War II, has ignited a debate that intersects history, politics, and international relations.
Poland’s Reparation Demand
On September 1, 2022, the Polish government unveiled a detailed report outlining the extensive material losses the country endured during the Second World War. Alongside this report came an assertion of Poland’s intention to seek reparations from Germany, with a staggering demand of EUR 1.3 trillion. This demand aims to address the profound impact of the war on Poland’s economy and infrastructure.
Germany’s Rejection and Historical Context
The German Foreign Ministry swiftly dismissed Poland’s claim, asserting that the matter was closed and that negotiations would not be entertained. Berlin’s standpoint rests on the assertion that the Polish communist government had relinquished reparations claims against Germany. However, Poland counters this argument by highlighting that it was under Soviet influence at that time, making it incapable of making sovereign decisions. Moreover, Poland argues that the lack of formal documentation substantiating the waiving of reparations casts doubt on the validity of the claim.
Rabbinical Perspective on the Issue
During a visit to Poland organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rabbi Art Vernon and Rabbi Steven Graber, both representatives of NABOR from Long Island, shared their perspectives with PAP (Polish Press Agency) on the reparations issue. Rabbi Vernon expressed that NABOR perceives the claim as a moral and political matter. He acknowledged the importance of Poland’s pursuit of reparations for its historical and national identity, emphasizing the significance of Poland’s agency and history in the face of adversity. Rabbi Vernon’s personal opinion aligns with Warsaw’s motivation in seeking reparations.
Rabbi Graber highlighted that despite the passage of 78 years since World War II’s end, the wartime events remain deeply etched in the collective memory of Poland and Germany. He underlined the inextricable link between history and the present, suggesting that while cooperation is necessary to counter contemporary challenges, historical wounds should not be overlooked.
The Complex Historical Landscape
Lance Sussman, a retired rabbi from Philadelphia, offered a broader historical perspective. Sussman indicated that the issue of reparations is entangled with the historical role of the Soviet Union, which controlled East Germany and opposed reparation payments. However, recent events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have once again thrust Germany into considering the broader geopolitical implications.
Read more: Unveiling a Moral Imperative: US Rabbis Support Poland’s WWII Reparations Claim