Book Reviewed: Neighbors: The Destruction of the Jewish Community in Jedwabne, Poland by Jan T. Gross

Massacre in Jedwabne The Jedwabne massacre is a tragic event that took place during World War II, on July 10, 1941, in the town of Jedwabne, Poland. This massacre involved the brutal killing of sixteen hundred members of the local Jewish population by their Polish neighbors. The Jedwabne massacre exemplifies the complex interplay of local and occupying forces in the Holocaust highlighting the multifaceted nature of responsibility. This massacre demonstrates the ways in which ordinary people can become complicit in atrocities under some circumstances. It underscores the importance of historical accuracy, the dangers of nationalism and anti-Semitism. Before World War II, anti-Semitic sentiments were present in Poland, and these were echoed by elements within the Catholic Church. Some clergy members propagated negative stereotypes about Jews contributing to a climate of hostility. In medieval and early modern Europe, a myth known as the "blood libel" was prevalent, which falsely accused Jews of ritually murdering Christian children, especially boys, to use their blood for religious rituals like Passover. This baseless accusation led to widespread anti-Semitic sentiments, violence, and persecution of Jewish communities. The blood libel first emerged in England in the 12th century with the case of William of Norwich. The author narrates the sad story of Jedwabne and concludes that there was no direct encouragement or participation of the Nazi troops stationed in Poland.