Memory and Revival

In Rediscovering Traces of Memory, Jonathan Webber , with the help of Chris Schwarz’
arresting colour photographs of present-day Polish Galicia, has captured the traces of memory that remain of eight hundred years of Jewish life. The book's last image is that of
the thriving Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow.
Here, Professor Webber talks to its founder, Janusz Makuch. The Festival drew an estimated 40 000 people in 2009, Jews and non-Jews, Poles and international visitors alike.

They discuss Jewish culture in today’s Poland, with Kate Craddy and ask whether we witness a genuine Jewish revival or the creation of a virtual world.

Janusz Makuch jokingly refers to himself as a “shabbas goy”. He started the internationally acclaimed Krakow Jewish Culture Festival in 1988.

Jonathan Webber was awarded the Gold Cross of Service by the President of Poland in 1999 for his contribution to the Polish-Jewish dialogue. He is Unesco Professor of Interfaith Studies at Birmingham University.

Kate Craddy is the Director of the Galicia Jewish Museum, Krakow, Poland. Originally from the UK, she has lived in Poland since 2004, working initially for the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. Kate is also president of the Board of Directors of Fundacja Galicia Jewish Heritage Institute.