Although the Jewish community existed in Będzin since the 16th century, the history of Jewish colonization dates back to the Middle Ages. For hundreds of years the city of Będzin has been the center of Jewish life of the greatest importance in the surrounding area, while its location – within the south-western boundary of the Polish Kingdom – gave an exceptional significance to the local commune. Prior to the Second World War, the upstanding Jewish community numbered nearly 30 thousand people, which constituted 50% of all the city residents.
The Brama Cukermana Foundation, in its mission, stands between the past and the future, simultaneously setting itself two commitments. The first is to preserve the memory of the centuries-long history of Jews in Będzin and Zagłębie, and to commemorate the thousands of people murdered here during the Holocaust. This is a commitment to the past.
The second commitment, concerning the future, lies in the work and responsibility we undertake to build a better world for our children and future generations through education, dialogue, and empathy. A world with at least a little less anti-Semitism, exclusion, and hatred.
As we consider, it is particularly vital to undertake educational activity involving the local dwellers into the practical protection of the Jewish heritage, or at least broadening their knowledge of the Jewish history of the city and within the region.
We strongly believe we ought to do this for the present-day residents of the city, to acquaint them with the rich Jewish heritage, which is to be much appreciated, as it constitutes our common history.