Opening of the exhibition “Esther’s Willow” and accompanying events in Chrzanów

Event program

The Jewish Culture Days in Chrzanów began with the opening of the Esther's Willow exhibition on October 4, 2024 in the lobby of the Chrzanów Municipal Public Library, offering an in-depth exploration of multidimensional memory and multicultural intersections. Through art, poetry, and community engagement, the event shed light on the multilayered history and diverse cultural heritage of Chrzanów.

The exhibition expanded its initial focus on Roma/Jews to encompass a broader narrative of shared histories and solidarity, emphasizing the intersectionality of memory and culture. It presented poetry and words in multiple languages—Polish, Hebrew, Romani, Arabic, Ukrainian, Chinese, and Kurdish—symbolizing the intertwining histories of different communities. The dedication at the heart of the exhibition also addressed the current complexities of the geopolitical situation, reading:

To all who weep and those who cannot weep, for peace in the world

A telling quote by Hayden Daley underscored the theme of unity through nature and memory throughout the exhibition:

“We are friends when we plant trees. The words are spoken in different languages, but we read them as one. It is not a simple list. It is not a simple recitation. We release the roots and replant them. New shoots grow from the stems.”

The Esther’s Willow project, initiated by artists Katarzyna Sala, Marta Sala and Robert Yerachmiel Sniderman in collaboration with Cheong Kin Man, revived Chrzanów’s Polish-Jewish history through a series of original paintings and films, poetry and prose, addressing:
The significance of Esther Square as a center of pre-war Jewish life. The destruction of the Great Synagogue in 1973 and the cutting down of the willow marking its remains in 2018.

A living monument 2022 as part of FestivALT, planting a new willow to symbolize remembrance and renewal.

The exhibition combined historical documentation, artistic reflections, and cultural symbolism, focusing in particular on the role of the willow in Jewish and Slavic healing traditions.

The opening was accompanied by four curatorial walks, offering an immersive exploration of the exhibition themes and its resonance with the community. Dates and times of the walks:
November 21, 9:00 AM
November 27, 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
November 28, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
November 28, 1:00 AM–2:30 PM
In addition, on October 9 at 5:30 PM, Dr. Aleksandra Kumala gave a lecture-presentation on the Green Commemorations. The exhibition highlighted the diverse heritage of Chrzanów and the continuing importance of intercultural dialogue. By including Arabic, Ukrainian, Kurdish, and other languages, it created a space for inclusive storytelling and solidarity in the face of displacement and shared histories.

The event was a joint effort of the Municipal Public Library, the Irena and Mieczysław Mazaraki Museum, and the Chrzanów Cultural Center, reflecting the importance of local partnerships in cultivating memory and understanding.

The Esther’s Willow exhibition was a powerful testament to the role of memory in promoting social justice and intercultural dialogue. It celebrated the rich and complex heritage of Chrzanów while encouraging a shared vision of peace and unity through the prism of art and collective memory.