Building Engagement in Tackling Antisemitism in Poland by Awareness-raising: Education of Policymakers and Multipliers along with a Public Campaign

The project is being carried out by three leading organizations in Poland dedicated to education and combating antisemitism: the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, and the Jewish Association Czulent, with the support of the City of Warsaw, the National Police Headquarters, and the Supreme Bar Council. Its main objective is to combat antisemitism by raising public awareness and building an understanding of the threats this phenomenon poses to the functioning of a democratic society. The project has a systemic character and is based on cross-sector cooperation, bringing together public institutions, civil society organizations, and expert communities.

Educational activities, a social awareness campaign, and engagement with key target groups.

The program has been designed based on research conducted by the POLIN Museum and focuses on activities targeting so-called “multipliers” — individuals and communities that have a real impact on shaping public opinion and social practices. These include, among others, parliamentarians, local government officials, representatives of the police, legal professionals, teachers, journalists, and educators.
The project combines educational activities (trainings, workshops, lectures), a social awareness campaign, and the distribution of informational and educational materials. An important component is also the promotion of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and embedding it within the Polish social and legal context.
At the same time, a network of cooperating organizations is being developed to support efforts to counter antisemitism and strengthen standards for responding to hate speech.

The project’s impact and systemic counteraction of discrimination

The project is designed to deliver long-term outcomes, including increased effectiveness in responding to hate crimes, strengthened protection for individuals and groups vulnerable to discrimination, and a higher level of awareness of the mechanisms behind prejudice and stereotypes.
Its activities contribute to improving the quality of anti-discrimination education, particularly among school staff and media professionals, and support the implementation of equal treatment regulations. One of the project’s outputs is the development of expert publications, including the report “Dominant Antisemitic Narratives in Popular Culture in Poland,” which serves as an analytical and educational tool for institutions and practitioners.
The project also strengthens the position of partner organizations as leaders in combating antisemitism and in building a society based on equality, responsibility, and informed dialogue.