Know Your Roots: A Journey Through My Ancestral Homeland

"Know your roots," my grandmother would often tell me. She believed that understanding where we come from and learning our family history was essential. Her greatest fear was that we might go through life without any knowledge of our ancestors or who they were. These words, “know your roots,” became ingrained in me, guiding my thoughts throughout much of my adult life.

My grandmother’s life was marked by a complex history. Her journey took her from Europe to Canada and finally to the United States. As a teenager, she witnessed the horrors of Hitler’s invasion of her hometown. Most of her town—including her entire family—was wiped out by mobile killing units. Her survival was a combination of age, strength, luck, and quick thinking, enabling her to make the split-second decisions that ultimately saved her life. As my children became teenagers, I felt the weight of my grandmother's legacy and the responsibility to expose them to our roots. This drive led me to spend several years interviewing her, watching her testimony to the Shoah Foundation, and reading her prose and poetry. These efforts culminated in my book, Living Among the Dead, which documents her life within the broader context of world history.

Yet, my roots extend beyond my maternal grandmother. My maternal grandfather, who passed away when my mother was very young, also came from a similar town in Poland. Although I know less about him, I’ve pieced together fragments of his story. My paternal grandparents, also from Poland, were a significant part of my childhood and even into my young adulthood. While their stories aren't as meticulously documented, they were passed down through shared family memories and photos.

With all four grandparents hailing from Poland, I was elated when, in the spring of 2024, the Embassy of Poland offered me an opportunity to deepen my understanding of my roots on a broader level. The Embassy, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Poland, invited me on a weeklong study visit. The itinerary included traveling through several Polish cities, touring numerous museums and institutions, meeting with dignitaries and government officials, and learning about Jewish culture both before and after the war.

As I packed for this study visit, surrounded by ten other Americans with impressive backgrounds, I had no idea how profoundly this journey would impact my life. Our week began in Warsaw, where we met with directors and deputy heads of the Institute of National Remembrance. We explored Poland’s complex history, followed by a visit to the Pilecki Institute, where we engaged in thought-provoking discussions with their staff. One exhibit that deeply resonated with me was the "Called by Name," exhibit at the Pilecki Institute. This exhibit honors Poles who risked their lives and the lives of their loved ones to help Jews during the Holocaust. These courageous individuals, often overlooked in historical discourse, are finally having their stories uncovered. While at the exhibit, I had the reflective experience of filling out a form to document the acts of a non-Jewish Polish woman who risked her life to save my grandmother during WWII. Acknowledging her bravery felt like the very least I could do, considering that without her, I might not be alive today. This moment reinforced my connection to my roots and the profound impact that individual acts of courage can have on future generations.

Over lunch on the first day, we were joined by the Director of the American Jewish Committee, who shared invaluable insights. The afternoon took us to the POLIN Museum, a powerful testament to the resilience of the Jewish people and a window into the roots of my own family history. Walking through the exhibits, I felt a deep connection to the past, realizing how the events that shaped my ancestors’ lives continue to influence my identity today. The museum not only illuminated my family's experiences but also reinforced the importance of understanding our history to grasp the relevance of the past in shaping the present and future. It deepened my empathy and respect for people of different cultures and religions, further anchoring me in my heritage.

Our exploration continued at the Warsaw Uprising Museum, where the courage and struggles of the Polish resistance came to life. Despite the packed schedule, we found time to meet Rabbi Schudrich, Poland’s Chief Rabbi, at the Nozyk Synagogue. The beauty of the synagogue was only matched by the profound conversation we shared about modern-day Judaism in Poland. This encounter deepened my appreciation for the enduring legacy of my roots in this land. Our evening concluded with a dinner hosted by Efi Ben Artzy, whose reflections on living in Poland highlighted the beauty and opportunities he has found here—another reminder of the enduring connections that tie me to my heritage.

The following day, our itinerary in Warsaw included visits to the Jewish Historical Institute, the Taube Center, and an archaeological site that revealed more layers of the city’s history. We learned about the Warsaw Ghetto Museum from its Deputy Director, whose passion for preserving history was palpable. Lunch brought a fascinating discussion with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a memorable conversation with the Director for Africa and the Middle East and former Ambassador to Israel, who provided a nuanced perspective on international relations.

A pivotal moment came for me during our meeting with Secretary of State Wojciech Kolarski at the Presidential Palace. While others in our group asked questions about antisemitism and Polish-Israeli relations, I sought something more personal: information about citizenship for descendants like me, whose grandparents had fled Poland to survive the Nazi invasion. The Secretary of State’s hopeful response suggested a path to reconnecting with my Polish heritage, igniting a renewed sense of belonging. Our day ended with a poignant tour of the Jewish Cemetery and dinner with the President of the Jan Karski Educational Foundation.

Our journey then took us to Wroc?aw, where we met representatives from the Simcha Festival and toured the Department of Jewish Studies at the University of Wroc?aw. We visited the Edith Stein House and the Four Denominations District, immersing ourselves in the region’s rich Jewish heritage. The next day, a visit to Oshpitzin (O?wi?cim) and a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum served as a harrowing reminder of the atrocities endured by countless victims during the Holocaust.

In Kraków, our final stop, I felt a profound connection to my roots as we engaged with scholars at the Institute of Jewish Studies at Jagiellonian University. Touring the Galicia Museum brought to life the rich history and culture that my ancestors were a part of, offering insights into the lives they once led. Meeting with representatives from the Jewish Festival at the Cheder Café further deepened my understanding of the enduring legacy of Jewish culture in this city. A highlight of our time in Kraków was attending a Shabbat dinner at the JCC, where we joined 700 people from around the world in a shared celebration of faith and tradition. This gathering was more than just a meal; it was a living link to my heritage, a moment where the past, present, and future of my roots converged in a powerful way. On my last day in Kraków, I toured the Kazimierz district, where the history and culture of the city began to weave a spell on me. Even though my grandparents weren’t from Kraków, I felt a strong connection to the city, knowing my father’s parents were from nearby towns. While my fellow travelers returned to the United States, I stayed an extra day in Kraków, savoring the opportunity to further explore this city that had so unexpectedly captured my heart.

This journey through Poland was more than an educational visit; it was a profound reconnection with my heritage. It reaffirmed the importance of remembering history, fostering dialogue, and understanding the complex layers of identity and belonging. For me, it was a chance to heed my grandmother’s words and truly learn about my roots.