10th anniversary of the first research facility of the University of Wrocław in Greater Poland
The long-standing, informal cooperation between the authorities of Ostrów Wielkopolski and the Institute of Classical Mediterranean and Oriental Studies at the University of Wrocław has culminated in the creation of the Research Centre for the History and Culture of Jews from Southern Greater Poland. A special research centre was created, going beyond the framework of the university’s structure, as three different entities were involved in its creation: academia, local government and the community, as demonstrated by the letter of intent previously signed (18 June 2012) by the interested parties in this matter. On 14 May 2013, the activities of the University of Wrocław’s first research centre in Greater Poland were officially inaugurated by His Magnificence prof. Marek Bojarski, Rector of the University of Wrocław, and Jarosław Urbaniak, Mayor of the City of Ostrów Wielkopolski.
The Research Centre for the History and Culture of the Jews of Southern Greater Poland of the University of Wrocław periodically organises National Scientific Conferences in November each year, starting from 2013, entitled. “Local Jewish Community”. The proceedings take place precisely at the Forum Synagoga at ul. Raszkowska 21 in Ostrów Wielkopolski, the Centre’s headquarters.
At the November academic meetings, scholars representing various academic centres and other institutions dealing with the history and culture of the Jews in Poland bring in the Ostrów synagogue the latest results of their research and findings. Over the 10 years of the Centre’s activity, many topics devoted to the Jewish community have been heard and discussed, from specific issues (e.g. epitaphs of Ostrów Jews) to general issues (e.g. concerning Jewish literature of the 19th and 20th centuries). In total, more than 200 scholars visited Ostrów Wielkopolski in connection with the Centre’s activities.
An important element, with the involvement of staff and students from the Institute of Classical, Mediterranean and Oriental Studies, is the organisation of workshops where all those wishing to do so learn the basics of the Hebrew language, confronting their knowledge by reading the matzevot in the nearby lapidarium of the defunct Jewish cemetery (nota bene the exhibition of Jewish tombstones destroyed during World War II was carried out by dr Krzysztof Morta).
During these 10 years of the Centre’s activity, this institution of the Institute of Classical, Mediterranean and Oriental Studies has managed to establish cooperation with various towns in Southern Greater Poland and the cultural institutions operating in them. To name but a few (Odolanów, Raszków, Pleszew, Kępno (Dr Krzysztof Morta is on the Programme Council of the Potworowski Museum of Kępno Land).
Various meetings with descendants of the Jewish community are also an important part of the Centre’s activities, during which visitors learn about their ancestors, preserved memorabilia and places associated with their former residence in Ostrów.
The Research Centre for the History and Culture of the Jews of Southern Greater Poland conducts not only research activities, but also educational and didactic activities. It cooperates with schools and various cultural and educational institutions in Southern Greater Poland, with the Poznań and Lódź Institute of National Remembrance.
Since its inception, the Centre has cooperated with the Friends of the Ostrów Synagogue Association and the Ostrów University of the Third Age (employees of the Institute of Classical, Mediterranean and Oriental Studies are also members of the Ostrów Programme Council). The Ostrów Scientific Society, with its president, professor Jan Galant of the Adam Mickiewicz University (Dr Morta is vice-president there), has provided great support for the Centre.
At the Forum Synagoga in Ostrów Wielkopolski, the 10th anniversary of the university’s facility in Ostrów Wielkopolski was attended by a large number of invited guests. The Minister for Family and Social Policy, Marlena Maląg, also attended the jubilee. In addition to senators and MPs, city and district authorities, there were also representatives of the Institute of Classical and Mediterranean Studies, of which the Research Centre for the History and Culture of the Jews of Southern Greater Poland is a part. The celebrations were attended by the deputy directors of the Institute of Classical Mediterranean and Oriental Studies at the University of Wrocław, prof. Jakub Pigoń and prof. Gościwit Malinowski. Prof. Adam Jezierski also graced the ceremony with his presence.
For his work on behalf of the local community, his research into its history and culture and the very idea of local government-academic cooperation, which has culminated in the Centre, dr Krzysztof Morta was awarded the Silver Cross of Merit by the President of the Republic of Poland. The Centre’s employees were also decorated with medals of Jan Przebendowski, the city’s founder, by the Mayor of Ostrów Wielkopolski, Beata Klimek.
After the speeches by the organisers and guests, those gathered were able to listen to a magnificent concert by the INSPIRO ENSAMBLE choir from Poznań, conducted by Aleksandra Wojtaszek.
It was a great promotion of the University of Wrocław in Southern Greater Poland.
Author of the text: Łukasz Krzyszczuk
Translated by Wiktoria Łakoma (student of English Studies at the University of Wrocław) as part of the translation practice.
