Letter: Poland did not invent anti-Semitism

Sir: It was interesting to read the story of Joseph Fischler and his sister Janina ('Two who survived, without Schindler', 17 February).

I am far from disputing Mr Fischler's personal opinion on anti-Semitism, based on his own tragic experience, but I believe it is important to point out that:

anti-Semitism was not a Polish invention and had been existing in many countries for centuries;

'the nightmare' happened first in Nazi Germany and could have happened in other countries as well;

the Nazis approached the so- called 'Jewish problem' in a 'practical' way. In order to avoid extra costs of transportation, they set up their extermination camps on Polish soil where millions of Polish Jews had been living for centuries;

the question arises as to why

pre-Second World War Poland, with her alleged anti-Semitism, boasted the largest Jewish population in Europe, and indeed, the world.

In other words, what kind of magnet had drawn Mr Fischler's ancestors to Poland in the first place?

Yours sincerely,

A. KOLCZYNSKI

First Secretary

Embassy of the Republic

of Poland

London, W1

17 February