Krystian Kozerawski Photoblog

This is another photo taken in the area of Litzmannstadt Ghetto, however the building that is shown is a modern one and the graffiti (or mural) is a typical example of one of the biggest Polish taboos, anti-Semitism. It is the real Irony of Fate that Baluty district of Lodz - former Litzmannstadt Ghetto - haven’t changed from the 2nd World War and seems to be ghetto even now. There is only one big difference - the population, in some places - the lowest part of the society. The Irony of Fate - walls of Baluty and entire city is spotted with David’s Stars - the symbol of Jew, and the “Jew” is the offence among many Poles, especially the football supporters of two football clubs in the city. However, the anti-Semitism is not limited to the hooligans and the troublemakers (some parts of the old Baluty and Lodz are full of them). Nationwide Catholic radio station - Radio Maryja (donated by the state and the church) officially broadcasts anti-Semitic ideology. The pogroms during the war and after, 1968 (when the communist regime forced the rest of the Jewish population to leave Poland), are the taboo, the scar on the picture of Polish nation - The Christ of the nations, as we used to call ourselves. Did you know, that in Lodz we have a special fair called “Coloured tolerance” which is the big action of painting out the anti-Semitic murals, but every year there is almost the same number of the murals to be painted out. I am really ashamed.