Krakow bans sale of antisemitic figurines depicting Orthodox Jews holding coins
Krakow has banned the sale of antisemitic figurines which depict Orthodox Jews holding coins.
The figurines, which have been sold for decades in Poland, are purchased because they are believed to be good omens for prosperity. However, they depict the antisemitic trope of Jewish people being obsessed with money.
The ban follows pressure from Polish Jews who campaigned for the sale of the figurines to be prohibited. Nevertheless, defenders of the practice of selling the figurines feel that the items represent a nostalgia towards Polish Jews.
Robert Piaskowski, the city’s alderman for cultural affairs, said of the figurines: “This figurine is antisemitic and it’s time for us to realise it. In a city like Krakow, with such a difficult heritage and a painful past, it should not be sold.”
Campaign Against Antisemitism has expanded our coverage of antisemitism worldwide. Please contact us if you would like to share feedback or volunteer to assist with this project.