Relations between Poland and Eretz Yisrael before 1948

Abstract

The relations between Poles and Jews date back to the Middle Ages. At that time, first documented travels of Poles, mainly knights and pilgrims, to Eretz Yisrael took place. A serious increase in the exchange between Polish lands and Eretz Yisrael occurred in the 19th century. It was due to the development of communication and different kinds of travels, for example scientific and tourist ones. Most importantly, however, it was related to the fact that Zionists entered the political scene and motivated Jews to migrate and settle in Eretz Yisrael. Greater waves of migrations of Polish Jews left for Eretz Yisrael in the first decades of the 20th century. In consequence of the proceeding realisation of the historical project of Zionists, growing cultural, economic and diplomatic exchange between Poland (The Second Republic) and Eretz Yisrael could be observed. A great basis for establishing correct diplomatic relations between Poland and independent Israel was created at the time. Unfortunately, the tragedy of the Second World War and the complicated geopolitical situation in the post-war period changed the course of events drastically and made it impossible to continue the established relation.