Source: tygodniksiedlecki.com
summary of incident
On 5 October 2025, in Łuków, Poland, a public ceremony commemorating Jewish victims of the Holocaust was disrupted by protesters expressing antisemitic rhetoric, including hostility toward speakers and physical intimidation.
Details of incident
On 5 October 2025, a ceremony was held in Łuków to inaugurate a roundabout commemorating Jewish residents murdered during World War II. The event included participation from local officials, historians, and relatives of Holocaust survivors.
During the ceremony, a group of local protesters gathered behind the speakers, displaying banners and interrupting proceedings. The disruption intensified when a speaker referenced crimes committed against Jews during the war, prompting shouting and attempts to silence him. One participant was reportedly physically assaulted during the confrontation.
Statements made by protesters included references linking Jewish victims of the Holocaust to contemporary geopolitical conflicts, as well as language questioning the legitimacy of commemorating Jewish residents. The incident prompted criticism from organisers and observers, who described the disruption as inappropriate and offensive in the context of Holocaust remembrance.
Context of incident
The incident reflects ongoing tensions in Poland surrounding historical memory and the commemoration of Jewish victims of the Holocaust. In particular, narratives such as the “Żydokomuna” (“Judeo-Communism”) myth and attempts to attribute collective responsibility to Jewish communities continue to influence segments of public discourse.
Observers note that the conflation of Holocaust remembrance with contemporary political conflicts, including the Israel–Gaza war, can contribute to the distortion of historical narratives and the emergence of antisemitic rhetoric in public spaces. Such incidents highlight the challenges of maintaining respectful and historically grounded commemoration practices.
Responsible actors or groups involved
Individuals involved included local protesters (including Przemysław Goławski, the protest organizer), as well as public figures who had previously criticised the commemoration. A Member of Parliament (Sławomir Skwarek, PiS) publicly questioned the legitimacy of honouring Jewish victims prior to the event, contributing to the broader controversy.
False narratives or disinformation
The incident involved the use of antisemitic narratives, including references to the “Żydokomuna” myth and rhetoric linking Jewish victims of the Holocaust to contemporary political conflicts. Such claims distort historical facts and attribute collective responsibility to Jewish communities.
