Why Didn’t the Poles Accept Jews in the Polish Army During the 1920 Polish-Soviet War?

In the context of the 1920 Polish-Soviet War, the question of whether the Poles accepted Jews into their army is an important one. Contrary to some historical narratives, the official record clearly shows that Jews were not only accepted but actively served in the Polish military. This article explores the true story of Jewish soldiers in the Polish Army, focusing on their contributions and the challenges they faced during and after the 1920 conflict.

Jewish Military Service in the Polish Army

During the Second Polish Republic, Jews constituted a significant portion of the military. Statistics from the period indicate that roughly 100,000 soldiers of Jewish origin served in the Polish Army by 1939. This was considerably higher than the proportions of the Jewish population in other European countries at the time, highlighting the acceptance and integration of Jews into the military.

It is important to note that a substantial number of these soldiers perished in battle. About 7,000 Jews fell in combat, including 100 officers. Around 60,000 were captured by the Germans, with 3,000 of the common soldiers being murdered by the Germans. However, surprisingly, 30 Jewish officers survived in the German POW camps, which were known for their harsh treatment of prisoners.

Anti-Semitism and Military Service

Despite the high acceptance and military service of Jews in the Polish Army, evidence of anti-Semitism still existed. There were reports of Jewish soldiers facing discrimination and challenges in their military careers compared to their non-Jewish counterparts. Nonetheless, the commitment and service of these soldiers to their country remained unwavering.

Personal Accounts and Examples

For instance, the story of Henryk Strasman is a poignant example of a Jewish soldier who served in the Polish Army. Henryk volunteered for the Battle of Warsaw in 1920, was captured by the Soviets in 1939 during World War II, and was later shot by the NKVD. Such accounts reflect the bravery and dedication of many Jewish soldiers who served their country.

Russian Military Actions and Pogroms

While the Polonized nature of the Polish military is noteworthy, it is also crucial to understand the actions taken by Russian military forces during the same period. Russian generals like Budyonny and Yakovlev, along with White Russian troops led by Denikin, were notorious for their acts of terror, violence, and anti-Semitic pogroms in Eastern Poland and Ukraine.

Budyonny's forces were particularly infamous for the cruel and bloody marauding of villages and towns in Ukraine, as well as anti-Jewish pogroms. This period in Eastern Poland and Ukraine saw unprecedented scales of Jewish murders, comparable only to the horrific events of World War II.

References and Further Reading

For more detailed information on these topics, readers are encouraged to explore the works of Isaac Babel, a writer who rode with the Red Army and documented the persecution of Jews. Some of his writings can be found in his famous work, Red Cavalry.

Although Polish lands, like all of Europe at the time, had some degree of antisemitism, the violence and scale of murder committed by the Russian Red Army were far more significant. The Morgenthau Report provides substantial proof of this. High estimates place the number of Jewish victims by Poles at 400–500, a stark contrast to the tens of thousands of Jews killed by the Red and White armies.

In conclusion, while the 1920 Polish-Soviet War saw some instances of antisemitism and discrimination, the overall narrative of Jewish soldiers in the Polish Army is one of acceptance, bravery, and service to their country. The period that followed also demonstrated the dangers faced by Jews at the hands of the Russian military, making the importance of historical context even more critical.

Credits and Further Information