WielkiPolak
1 May 2018
Genealogy / 15th Artillery Polish Regiment in Scotland 1945-47 (Photographs) [6]
Aaaah that might help.
Aaaah that might help.
WielkiPolak
2 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
True and that's why they will probably end up voting for PiS, despite their grievances.
From what I'm seeing, more of them seem angry at Duda than PiS. I have seen and heard many comments from people about how Duda is a traitor and they won't vote for him again.
But again, when it comes to the presidential elections, if the only viable opponent to Duda is Tusk or somebody from PO/Nowoczesna then they might be forced to vote for Duda just to keep them out.
I don't know how their minds work and whether they will use a Duda vote as a vote against the main opponent, or whether they are so fed up with Duda that they just won't vote for anybody, or they'll vote for a fringe right wing candidate with no realistic chance of winning, despite knowing that this could give Tusk and co a better chance of winning.
Establishing a new party outside PiS will just ensure that the opposition wins, so even if they're becoming disgruntled, there's no real alternative for them.
True and that's why they will probably end up voting for PiS, despite their grievances.
From what I'm seeing, more of them seem angry at Duda than PiS. I have seen and heard many comments from people about how Duda is a traitor and they won't vote for him again.
But again, when it comes to the presidential elections, if the only viable opponent to Duda is Tusk or somebody from PO/Nowoczesna then they might be forced to vote for Duda just to keep them out.
I don't know how their minds work and whether they will use a Duda vote as a vote against the main opponent, or whether they are so fed up with Duda that they just won't vote for anybody, or they'll vote for a fringe right wing candidate with no realistic chance of winning, despite knowing that this could give Tusk and co a better chance of winning.
WielkiPolak
3 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
Might not be a bad idea to put Szydlo in there. It would certainly give people disgruntled with Duda, who could never bring themselves to vote for Tusk, a serious candidate to vote for.
Yes he is.
you put a PiS candidate (say Szydło) up against Duda and Tusk
Might not be a bad idea to put Szydlo in there. It would certainly give people disgruntled with Duda, who could never bring themselves to vote for Tusk, a serious candidate to vote for.
Finkelstein is not only neither a survivor himself, nor even the offspring of survivors
Yes he is.
WielkiPolak
7 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
Interesting statistic in this article
haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-how-american-jews-lost-their-religion-and-found-their-identity-1.6056319
Study of American Jews on what it means to be Jewish [From Pew research done a few years ago].
62% say being Jewish is mainly a matter of ancestry and culture
73% say being Jewish is mainly remembering the Holocaust
only 15% said being Jewish was mainly a matter of religion
So for most American Jews, who have lost their faith, what else do they have to identify themselves as Jewish, other than constantly talking about the Holocaust?
Interestingly in the famous 'Defamation' documentary, one rabbi [in Russia I think] who was interviewed, said religious Orthodox Jews don't talk that much about the Holocaust. It isn't part of their identity of being Jewish. He said it is mainly those Jews who have no faith who keep on bringing it up. Many religious Jews don't need to keep mentioning the Holocaust to remind themselves who they are. Of course, I'm sure they remember it and see it as a terrible tragedy, but for them the Biblical sense of being Jewish is much more important and defines their identity, rather than an attempted genocide.
The problem with this way of thinking of course, is that many of them think they are chosen and non-Jews are worse than them, but that is another issue.
Interesting statistic in this article
haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-how-american-jews-lost-their-religion-and-found-their-identity-1.6056319
Study of American Jews on what it means to be Jewish [From Pew research done a few years ago].
62% say being Jewish is mainly a matter of ancestry and culture
73% say being Jewish is mainly remembering the Holocaust
only 15% said being Jewish was mainly a matter of religion
So for most American Jews, who have lost their faith, what else do they have to identify themselves as Jewish, other than constantly talking about the Holocaust?
Interestingly in the famous 'Defamation' documentary, one rabbi [in Russia I think] who was interviewed, said religious Orthodox Jews don't talk that much about the Holocaust. It isn't part of their identity of being Jewish. He said it is mainly those Jews who have no faith who keep on bringing it up. Many religious Jews don't need to keep mentioning the Holocaust to remind themselves who they are. Of course, I'm sure they remember it and see it as a terrible tragedy, but for them the Biblical sense of being Jewish is much more important and defines their identity, rather than an attempted genocide.
The problem with this way of thinking of course, is that many of them think they are chosen and non-Jews are worse than them, but that is another issue.
WielkiPolak
7 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
Haha. Good one.
Historians such as Jan Gross
Haha. Good one.
WielkiPolak
7 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
You mean like Ewa Kurek?
You mean like Ewa Kurek?
WielkiPolak
7 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
Well she is a historian, yet whenever she uncovers an uncomfortable truth for Jewish people, she is immediately lambasted as an antisemite. What are you thoughts on her?
By the way, to comment on your earlier point about Kielce and Jedwabne shaming the Polish nation - I disagree. They shame those who were the culprits. No nation should be held responsible for the acts of some bad citizens.
Well she is a historian, yet whenever she uncovers an uncomfortable truth for Jewish people, she is immediately lambasted as an antisemite. What are you thoughts on her?
By the way, to comment on your earlier point about Kielce and Jedwabne shaming the Polish nation - I disagree. They shame those who were the culprits. No nation should be held responsible for the acts of some bad citizens.
WielkiPolak
7 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
That's a little different. The modern day 'Europeanised' USA was basically founded upon the slaughter of Native Americans, so that's where your or others' guilt might come from, even though personally I don't see why you should feel guilty for it, but it's up to you.
Poland wasn't founded on the slaughter of Jewish people, nor did the Polish state at the any point decide to wipe out Jews [like the German state did]. The criminal acts that were committed against Jews were personal decisions made by certain Polish citizens, who should be condemned for what they did. Feeling guilty for what they did however doesn't come in to play, much like you shouldn't feel guilty if some white supremacists in America decide to kill some black people. You would most probably be shocked by such an incident and I assume you would condemn it, but why should you feel guilt for something you didn't do?
ergo,one whose ancestors weren't involved in either slavery or the slaughter of Native Americans, I nonetheless DO feel a twinge of guilt
That's a little different. The modern day 'Europeanised' USA was basically founded upon the slaughter of Native Americans, so that's where your or others' guilt might come from, even though personally I don't see why you should feel guilty for it, but it's up to you.
Poland wasn't founded on the slaughter of Jewish people, nor did the Polish state at the any point decide to wipe out Jews [like the German state did]. The criminal acts that were committed against Jews were personal decisions made by certain Polish citizens, who should be condemned for what they did. Feeling guilty for what they did however doesn't come in to play, much like you shouldn't feel guilty if some white supremacists in America decide to kill some black people. You would most probably be shocked by such an incident and I assume you would condemn it, but why should you feel guilt for something you didn't do?
WielkiPolak
7 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
Yep, if the Germans hadn't have invaded then none of these other things would have happened. The stuff that spilled out from there is a consequence of the initial invasion. We should acknowledge the various other incidents that took place, remember them and condemn them where appropriate, but also always remember who the main perpetrators were.
This is the main issue Poles have really Lyzko. You'll find very few Polish people who won't admit that some of their fellow citizens behaved badly during the war, but it's this disturbing push, by some, to try and pass collective guilt on to Poland for the Holocaust, that angers people.
Yep, if the Germans hadn't have invaded then none of these other things would have happened. The stuff that spilled out from there is a consequence of the initial invasion. We should acknowledge the various other incidents that took place, remember them and condemn them where appropriate, but also always remember who the main perpetrators were.
This is the main issue Poles have really Lyzko. You'll find very few Polish people who won't admit that some of their fellow citizens behaved badly during the war, but it's this disturbing push, by some, to try and pass collective guilt on to Poland for the Holocaust, that angers people.
WielkiPolak
10 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
By the way, slightly off topic but the S.447 act was signed by Trump yesterday
foxnews.com/world/2018/05/10/trump-signs-holocaust-property-law-that-has-angered-poland.html
By the way, slightly off topic but the S.447 act was signed by Trump yesterday
foxnews.com/world/2018/05/10/trump-signs-holocaust-property-law-that-has-angered-poland.html
WielkiPolak
11 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
Does Israel also have the right to bulldoze women who stand in front of homes trying to stop them from being demolished? Because they've done that.
Israel has the right to defend herself, her people, and to protect her borders just like any other country!
Does Israel also have the right to bulldoze women who stand in front of homes trying to stop them from being demolished? Because they've done that.
WielkiPolak
11 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
I agree with dolno, this is mostly BS anti-Polish propaganda pushed far more by left-wing Gazeta Wyborcza reading Jews than right-wing ones, or at the very least it's a major exaggeration.
How many years is it that Jews have lived in Poland now? 800? Yet the antisemitism is so bad that they fear revealing their Jewishness? But they still decide to stay. Give me a break.
How about they try living in Germany or France to see what real 'fear for you life' antisemitism is like on a daily basis.
I agree with dolno, this is mostly BS anti-Polish propaganda pushed far more by left-wing Gazeta Wyborcza reading Jews than right-wing ones, or at the very least it's a major exaggeration.
How many years is it that Jews have lived in Poland now? 800? Yet the antisemitism is so bad that they fear revealing their Jewishness? But they still decide to stay. Give me a break.
How about they try living in Germany or France to see what real 'fear for you life' antisemitism is like on a daily basis.
WielkiPolak
13 May 2018
News / Polonophobia rising in Israel. [144]
That's an easy one. Heavy Jewish influence in American politics.
America does not benefit from Israel in any way and it would make no logical sense for a country like the USA to care so much about Israel. Heck, the USA benefits more from a relationship with Poland than Israel, given how many EU countries don't like Trump or the USA right now. But as I said, Jewish influence, it makes a heck of a difference.
I don't really see how the US benefits from Isreal. Politicians including Trump say that Israel is a great ally but I don't see it.
That's an easy one. Heavy Jewish influence in American politics.
America does not benefit from Israel in any way and it would make no logical sense for a country like the USA to care so much about Israel. Heck, the USA benefits more from a relationship with Poland than Israel, given how many EU countries don't like Trump or the USA right now. But as I said, Jewish influence, it makes a heck of a difference.
WielkiPolak
14 May 2018
UK, Ireland / Posting mail from Poland to the UK [26]
It's weird you had to wait 6 weeks for it to be shipped. Unless they made it clear that it could take that long before they send it, because they didn't have it in stock?
It can take a while. I have been shocked sometimes at how long it takes a normal letter to get from Poland to the UK. Often more than a week, sometimes close to two weeks.
It's weird you had to wait 6 weeks for it to be shipped. Unless they made it clear that it could take that long before they send it, because they didn't have it in stock?
It can take a while. I have been shocked sometimes at how long it takes a normal letter to get from Poland to the UK. Often more than a week, sometimes close to two weeks.
WielkiPolak
17 May 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
@delph
Agreed. They didn't have a leg to stand on with that case and only embarrassed themselves by pursuing it.
@delph
Agreed. They didn't have a leg to stand on with that case and only embarrassed themselves by pursuing it.
WielkiPolak
25 May 2018
Work / I want to teach English in Poland and I don't know where to start! PLEASE HELP! [23]
I don't know where people are getting all these two and three years of training needed to be a teacher. I am reading that the TEFL course takes about 12 weeks and includes early years teaching in that.
I don't know where people are getting all these two and three years of training needed to be a teacher. I am reading that the TEFL course takes about 12 weeks and includes early years teaching in that.
WielkiPolak
25 May 2018
Work / I want to teach English in Poland and I don't know where to start! PLEASE HELP! [23]
So what are your qualifications delph? Did you have to do a year-long teaching course or study something at university to get to where you are today?
I know that people who want to get in to media for instance, often do a 3 or 4 year degree in journalism, yet in the UK that qualification doesn't help much. The NCTJ qualification on the other hand, an intensive hands on course that lasts 3-4 months, is much more desired by newspapers than a degree in journalism, because it teaches wannabe reporters the exact skills they need, at least in print journalism.
you need a university qualification to get a good job, or if you want to work in a public school
So what are your qualifications delph? Did you have to do a year-long teaching course or study something at university to get to where you are today?
I know that people who want to get in to media for instance, often do a 3 or 4 year degree in journalism, yet in the UK that qualification doesn't help much. The NCTJ qualification on the other hand, an intensive hands on course that lasts 3-4 months, is much more desired by newspapers than a degree in journalism, because it teaches wannabe reporters the exact skills they need, at least in print journalism.
WielkiPolak
29 May 2018
Life / My Last Link To Poland Died - Why Leaving Poland Was My Best Decision [249]
Hah. Want to experience the benefits of a progressive forward thinking society, try moving to the UK. I'd be careful going out on your own as a woman though as people of certain culture might wish to take advantage and also remember, you can't say anything that isn't in line with the governments left-wing ideology, or you could be locked up for it. Then again, judging by your posts here, you already think the way they want you to think, so you should be fine. But remember, one step out of line, one wrong idea or thought, and your life will be over there. It's a shame people like you don't understand just how much freedom you have/had in Poland. You will probably only know when it is too late.
We live in an uncultured and uncivilised way and only have benefited from our place in Europe and proximity to Western Europe.
Hah. Want to experience the benefits of a progressive forward thinking society, try moving to the UK. I'd be careful going out on your own as a woman though as people of certain culture might wish to take advantage and also remember, you can't say anything that isn't in line with the governments left-wing ideology, or you could be locked up for it. Then again, judging by your posts here, you already think the way they want you to think, so you should be fine. But remember, one step out of line, one wrong idea or thought, and your life will be over there. It's a shame people like you don't understand just how much freedom you have/had in Poland. You will probably only know when it is too late.
WielkiPolak
12 Jun 2018
Life / How do Polish people see homosexuality? [152]
Some time ago, Rafal Ziemkiewicz wrote an interesting analysis about how the left's narrative on sexuality has changed. He repeated it on television yesterday. He said, a few years ago, the left's argument was that you shouldn't be treated worse if you are homosexual, because people don't choose to be gay, they just are. The whole point being made was that people don't get to choose what they are, they just are what they are and can't do anything about it, so they shouldn't be made to feel bad about it.
Now, that argument has been made completely null and void, because the left is saying that you can be whatever sexuality you want and can be whatever you want, a man, a woman, both, neither, whatever other options there are. It's hilarious how twisted up in their own sh-t they get.
Some time ago, Rafal Ziemkiewicz wrote an interesting analysis about how the left's narrative on sexuality has changed. He repeated it on television yesterday. He said, a few years ago, the left's argument was that you shouldn't be treated worse if you are homosexual, because people don't choose to be gay, they just are. The whole point being made was that people don't get to choose what they are, they just are what they are and can't do anything about it, so they shouldn't be made to feel bad about it.
Now, that argument has been made completely null and void, because the left is saying that you can be whatever sexuality you want and can be whatever you want, a man, a woman, both, neither, whatever other options there are. It's hilarious how twisted up in their own sh-t they get.
WielkiPolak
5 Jul 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
Oh yeah, this happened last week but I suppose it should be mentioned here, as this whole thread was about it.
On Wednesday last week, after a lot of pressure, the Polish government changed the IPN law and took out the criminal charges part. Now it will not be a criminal offence to say Polish death camps or that Poland was responsible for the holocaust.
Oh yeah, this happened last week but I suppose it should be mentioned here, as this whole thread was about it.
On Wednesday last week, after a lot of pressure, the Polish government changed the IPN law and took out the criminal charges part. Now it will not be a criminal offence to say Polish death camps or that Poland was responsible for the holocaust.
WielkiPolak
5 Jul 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
@Lyzko
What are you talking about? I just wrote what happened. Did I say 'this proves Poland is in the hands of Jews' or something similar? My post was factual.
@Lyzko
What are you talking about? I just wrote what happened. Did I say 'this proves Poland is in the hands of Jews' or something similar? My post was factual.
WielkiPolak
5 Jul 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
I honestly have no idea what you are talking about. Here is my post
What is revisionist about this? There was a lot of pressure on Poland from both Israel and the USA to scrap the IPN law. Fact. They didn't scrap it, but they modified it, taking out the criminalisation aspect. Fact. I don't think you understand what has been going on if you think this is revisionist.
The only part I did not mention yet, was that the Israeli and Polish prime ministers made a joint statement about what took place during the Holocaust. This joint statement has already been criticised by Israeli minister of education Naftali Bennett, opposition leader Yair Lapid and the Israeli media, for being 'too lenient' on Poland and their role in the Holocaust. Again fact. Check the Israeli media if you don't believe me.
I honestly have no idea what you are talking about. Here is my post
What is revisionist about this? There was a lot of pressure on Poland from both Israel and the USA to scrap the IPN law. Fact. They didn't scrap it, but they modified it, taking out the criminalisation aspect. Fact. I don't think you understand what has been going on if you think this is revisionist.
The only part I did not mention yet, was that the Israeli and Polish prime ministers made a joint statement about what took place during the Holocaust. This joint statement has already been criticised by Israeli minister of education Naftali Bennett, opposition leader Yair Lapid and the Israeli media, for being 'too lenient' on Poland and their role in the Holocaust. Again fact. Check the Israeli media if you don't believe me.
WielkiPolak
6 Jul 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
Right, so why keep saying Poland when talking about responsibility? Why not say 'some Polish people?'
As for the 'what is Jewish?' question being debated above, Jewish can be a religion or ethnicity/race. It can be one of the other or it can be both. Most American Jews for instance, do not identify themselves as religious Jews, but also aren't Israelis, they are Americans. Yet they still identify as Jews though, ethnically. I don't know why every time you say Jewish, some people immediately think you are bringing religion in to the discussion.
I'm not referring to the Polish Government in Exile
Right, so why keep saying Poland when talking about responsibility? Why not say 'some Polish people?'
As for the 'what is Jewish?' question being debated above, Jewish can be a religion or ethnicity/race. It can be one of the other or it can be both. Most American Jews for instance, do not identify themselves as religious Jews, but also aren't Israelis, they are Americans. Yet they still identify as Jews though, ethnically. I don't know why every time you say Jewish, some people immediately think you are bringing religion in to the discussion.
WielkiPolak
6 Jul 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
^ Complete BS
^ Complete BS
WielkiPolak
6 Jul 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
Jews generally believe most people in the world don't tolerate them. They call it antisemitism, and it doesn't have to have anything to do with religion.
Jews generally believe most people in the world don't tolerate them. They call it antisemitism, and it doesn't have to have anything to do with religion.
WielkiPolak
7 Jul 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
Yep. I would also avoid using terminology like 'responsible for.' Certain Polish people were not responsible for the holocaust. I mean If the Germans had not invaded Poland, there would be no holocaust and no opportunity for these people to do what they did.
I think a more accurate thing to say would be 'some Polish people had a role in the holocaust.' Of course, the same could be said for some Jewish people, but I won't get in to that, as I now that you are not likely to admit it.
I ought to have written/said "certain Poles..."
Yep. I would also avoid using terminology like 'responsible for.' Certain Polish people were not responsible for the holocaust. I mean If the Germans had not invaded Poland, there would be no holocaust and no opportunity for these people to do what they did.
I think a more accurate thing to say would be 'some Polish people had a role in the holocaust.' Of course, the same could be said for some Jewish people, but I won't get in to that, as I now that you are not likely to admit it.
WielkiPolak
12 Jul 2018
News / How strongly are Poles sure that president Duda defend Poland's interests ? [244]
Why on earth should the Polish president, Polish government or Poland in general be positive about Russia? Seriously, give me one good reason. One example of something positive Russia did towards Poland. Because I can give you many examples of negatives things they did.
Understatement
Why on earth should the Polish president, Polish government or Poland in general be positive about Russia? Seriously, give me one good reason. One example of something positive Russia did towards Poland. Because I can give you many examples of negatives things they did.
Now, not that is Russia perfect (far from it)
Understatement
WielkiPolak
13 Jul 2018
News / How strongly are Poles sure that president Duda defend Poland's interests ? [244]
Yeah sure, bring Komorowski back. Or even better still, how about a president from the post communist SLD? I'm sure they would be positive about Russia.
Duda is far from perfect, but a big improvement on the previous president.
Yeah sure, bring Komorowski back. Or even better still, how about a president from the post communist SLD? I'm sure they would be positive about Russia.
Duda is far from perfect, but a big improvement on the previous president.
WielkiPolak
21 Jul 2018
News / Polonophobia rising in Israel. [144]
^ Do you think there is a general problem of antisemitism in Poland?
^ Do you think there is a general problem of antisemitism in Poland?
WielkiPolak
21 Jul 2018
News / Polonophobia rising in Israel. [144]
I think there is about as much dislike of Jewish people in Poland as there is Polish people in Israel, plus, one fuels the other. Overall though, I wouldn't say anti Polonism or antisemitism are not particularly major issues in Israel or Poland. Certainly not the biggest issues in those two countries. There is far more antisemitism and anti Polonism in other nations. Take a trip to France or Germany and you will see much more antisemitism than in Poland. It's rife.
By the way Ana, where are you from? Israel by chance?
I think there is about as much dislike of Jewish people in Poland as there is Polish people in Israel, plus, one fuels the other. Overall though, I wouldn't say anti Polonism or antisemitism are not particularly major issues in Israel or Poland. Certainly not the biggest issues in those two countries. There is far more antisemitism and anti Polonism in other nations. Take a trip to France or Germany and you will see much more antisemitism than in Poland. It's rife.
By the way Ana, where are you from? Israel by chance?