This talk is a deeply personal exploration of my search for identity, the rediscovery of my Jewish heritage, and the ongoing quest for belonging. Though I built my life in Israel, my mother still lives in Warsaw — so when people ask, “Are there still Jews in Poland?” the answer is yes.

Through stories, reflections, and photos, I share the challenges, discoveries, and profound moments of embracing identity, heritage, and belonging.

Join me, Keshet Bar-Yadin, a Polish-born Jew, travel curator, and founder of Five Star Tours, for an intimate and thought-provoking conversation that weaves together personal and collective memory, Jewish resilience, and the renewal of Jewish life. Beyond my story, I explore:

• The reality of Jewish life in Poland today
• The lasting impact of the Holocaust
• How history continues to shape Jewish identity
• The significance of October 7, adding new dimensions to the ongoing story of Jewish survival and strength

This talk is ideal for Jewish communities, organizations, and schools seeking meaningful programming. It is especially fitting for International Holocaust Remembrance Day or Yom HaShoah, but offers deep impact at any event focused on Jewish heritage, resilience, and contemporary relevance.

Dedicated to Alex Danzig

I dedicate this lecture to the memory of Alex Danzig, my mentor during the Yad Vashem guides course. Like me, Alex was born in Warsaw and was deeply connected to his Polish roots. A Polish-born Israeli historian who devoted his life to Holocaust education and Jewish heritage, Alex was a passionate advocate for Polish-Jewish dialogue, working tirelessly to bridge cultural divides and ensure the memory of the Holocaust lived on. 

On October 7, Alex was brutally kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz and murdered in Hamas captivity. His life’s work continues to inspire me, and this presentation is a tribute to his enduring legacy.

What to Expect

This deeply personal and thought-provoking session explores themes of Jewish identity, resilience, and historical memory through a firsthand narrative:

• A Personal Story of Identity & Belonging – Growing up in Communist Poland, where Jewish life had nearly disappeared, and reclaiming my heritage in a place where it was almost erased.
• Aliyah & Generational Journeys – Making Aliyah at 19 and witnessing my grandmother fulfill her lifelong dream of moving to Israel at 72, reflecting on the meaning of home and Jewish continuity.
• Revitalized Jewish Life in Poland – Exploring the revival of Jewish identity in Poland today and how the past continues to shape its present and future.
• Memory, Legacy & Jewish Resilience – Examining the lasting impact of Holocaust memory, intergenerational trauma, and the evolving meaning of Jewish survival, including the profound resonance of October 7.
• A Thought-Provoking & Interactive Experience – Engaging in meaningful discussion, asking questions, and reflecting on personal connections to Jewish history, resilience, and identity.

Why This Lecture Matters

•  A Firsthand Perspective – Gain insights from someone who has personally navigated Jewish identity in both Poland and Israel.
• Bridging Past & Present – Understand how history continues to shape Jewish life today, from the Holocaust’s legacy to current events.
• A Blend of Personal & Historical Narratives – Weaving identity, history, and storytelling into a meaningful and relevant experience.
• Engaging & Thought-Provoking – Inspires emotional and intellectual reflection on belonging, resilience, and identity.
• Timely & Urgent – Addressing both historical and contemporary challenges, including the impact of October 7 and the rise of antisemitism worldwide.
• A Call to Preserve Jewish Memory – Emphasizing why remembering and educating future generations is critical for the continuity of Jewish life.

Who Is This Lecture For

This talk is highly customizable and available in-person or virtually. It is tailored for:

• Jewish Communities & Synagogues – Seeking meaningful programming on Jewish history and identity.
• Schools & Educational Institutions – Offering an immersive learning experience on Jewish life in Poland.
• Organizations & Cultural Groups – Engaging in discussions on history, resilience, and heritage.
• Families & Individuals – Tracing their Jewish roots and seeking a deeper understanding of Poland’s Jewish past.
• Holocaust Remembrance Events – Perfect for Yom HaShoah (April/May) or International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27).
• Pre-Trip Preparation – For groups traveling to Poland to explore Jewish heritage.

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