Brama Cukermana Foundation (The Cukerman’s Gate Foundation) was established on March 10th, 2009 in Będzin at the initiative of Karolina and Piotr Jakoweńko.
The impulse for which it has come into existence was the strong need of saving the Jewish House of Prayer, situated in the so-called Cukerman’s Gate (Brama Cukermana), where the historic polychromes have been preserved.
The major goals of our activity are:
*The care and protection of Jewish culture monuments as well as the commemoration of the Jews’ many centuries-presence in Będzin and within the region.
*The education of the local community together with actions to the benefit of mutual tolerance and understanding amongst cultures.
*Conducting research on the history and life of Jews in Będzin and within the region.
In recognition of achievements, the Brama Cukermana Foundation has been honoured with the most important awards and distinctions in Poland:
– “Chroniąc pamięć” (“Protected memory”) award from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and the Embassy of Israel (2013)
– Zagłębie “Humanitas” Award (2013)
– Award of the Mayor of the City of Będzin (2013)
– Maria and Łukasz Hirszowicz Award from the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw (2014)
– Award of the Jewish Culture Festival in Kraków (2016)
– Special Award of POLIN. Museum of the History of Polish Jews (2022)
– “Warsaw Ghetto Uprising” medal, awarded by the Association of Jewish Combatants and Victims of World War II (2024)