ENGLISH CORNER, CON LINDA JIMÉNEZ – This week’s trivia question: Who founded the Krakow JCC, and when was it opened?

Krakow’s Jewish Community Centre, in the heart of the centuries-old Jewish Kazimierz neighborhood, is playing an increasing role in fostering the post-communist renaissance of Polish Jewry. Since its opening, the Centre has offered an increasing variety of activities to the Jewish community there. A big banner outside, in English and Polish, displays the Centre’s motto: “Building a Jewish future in Krakow”, and invites passers-by to “stop in and say hi”. The JCC welcomes Polish Jews, foreign visitors and non-Jews, many of whom have recently discovered their own Jewish roots and who are interested in learning more about Judaism.
Jonathan Ornstein, its Executive Director, has been with the JCC since its beginning. He spoke with us about its surprising origin, many activities, and the unique place it has in Poland’s Jewish revival.