From a local initiative to an advocacy organisation with national and international impact.
The history of Czulent is a path of growth—from creating a space for identity for a young Jewish community to becoming an expert organisation working on public policy and standards for addressing antisemitism.
2004
Identity
It all began with an initiative by a group of Jewish students. In 2004, we created a space for discussing what it means to be Jewish in contemporary Poland. Our first steps focused on building a strong, self-aware community by strengthening identity and promoting education about Jewish culture and tradition.
2006
Culture and initial anti-discrimination activities
We quickly moved beyond the scope of a discussion club. We established a We established a Remuh LibraryLiterary Salon and Film Club. It was then that our first educational projects for schools (“Meeting in Polin”) and programmes for visitors (“Mifgashim be Polin”) were created, showcasing a living, contemporary Jewish community.
2008
First coalitions and advocacy activities
This was a turning point for our legal and advocacy profile. We joined the Equal Opportunities Coalition—the leading platform of NGOs working for human rights in Poland at the time. We initiated international dialogue within Religions for Peace and launched projects combining history with modern anti-discrimination education (including the “Kraków Women’s Trail”).
2010
Professionalisation of the Association
We transformed into an organisation bringing together professionals from various fields. We also began creating cultural content for the youngest audiences—our children’s book series (debuting with “A Majse”) received numerous awards in Poland and abroad, becoming a permanent part of minority education.
2014
“Antisemitism is not an opinion” – Launch of advocacy
We launched a groundbreaking project that defined our current role as an advocacy organisation. Under the patronage of the Commissioner for Human Rights, we began to identify and address contemporary forms of antisemitism, introducing innovative legal protection tools into the public discourse.
2017
Expertise and international cooperation
Our analytical expertise gained recognition at the intergovernmental level. With the support of the U.S. Department of State’s (DRL), we conducted comprehensive research on cooperation between public administration and minorities in the 18 largest cities in Poland. This report became the foundation for our subsequent systemic recommendations.
2021
Helpdesk for victims
We launched the support platform zglosantysemityzm.pl, which assists individuals who have experienced antisemitism-motivated prejudice. The platform enables us to identify emerging trends in contemporary antisemitism and gaps in the system that should respond to it effectively.
Today
Knowledge Broker and a guardian of democratic values
Today, Czulent is a recognised partner for government agencies and international coalitions. We not only respond to current threats but also actively initiate changes in legislation and social standards. As a “knowledge broker,” we combine the experience of the Jewish community with professional data analysis, helping to build a safe and open Poland for all.