The recent nationwide survey on Jewish stereotypes may instill anti-Semitism in young minds, writes Polska.

Press reviewed by Alicja Baczyńska

The Polska daily gives insight into a survey on the perception of Jewish people and the Holocaust in Poland, recently handed out to high school students across the country. The study conducted by the head of the Polish Center for Holocaust Research, Dr. Jolanta Ambrosiewicz-Jacobs, has sparked controversy, stupefying sociologists, teachers and students alike. The survey features scores of questions, such as “Are the modern-day Jews encumbered with the responsibility for the death of Christ?”, “Some people deny that many of the crimes committed in Auschwitz and other concentration camps did not take place, do you agree?”, “Do you agree that due to the origin of Jews, they have never been and will never be real Poles.” This is just a sample of the questions given to teenagers, but it does highlight a one-sided pattern of perception. The study only features negative stereotypes, which may only serve to instill or validate prejudice in the minds of young people who are yet to establish a fixed system of values. And though the intensions were good, faulty methodology may have done more harm than good. The author of the survey has so far refused to comment on the matter, writes the daily.

Warsaw is among the 29 best travel destinations in 2009, writes Dziennik citing a list recently drawn up by the ”Los Angeles Times”. The capital stands alongside tourist hubs such as London, Beijing and Las Vegas. The paper lists cheap rates for both budget and high-end accommodation, good food, and the upcoming 200th birth anniversary of Frederic Chopin in 2010, which gives tourists the opportunity to view all the sites connected with the artist before the crowds start flocking next year. Jan Korsak, president of the Polish Chamber of Tourism has attributed the spotlighting of Warsaw as a success of its PR efforts, and has said that Poland should strike while the iron is hot and boost promotion overseas. The city authorities, however, find this unncessary as the country is on the rise in various rankings concerning tourism, business and investment, adding that Poland has recently placed fifth in the Country Brand Index as a country worth its value.

Today is the perfect day for a donut craving, with bakeries working at full throttle for the last two nights to meet today’s demand. Fat Thursday has seen people lining up in front of pastry shops across the country from early morning. On the day that Poles stuff themselves senseless with all things sweet Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz is searching for the capital’s new signature cake that would be the symbol of the city. According to the PR of the town hall the previous flagship cake, the wuzetka, is now passé and in desperate need of replacement. And so the city authorities have launched a competition today. The prepared delicacies will undergo thorough organoleptic examination conducted by a panel of experts, among them prominent artists such as singer Ewa Bem and actor Daniel Olbrychski.

Bones, skeletons, livers and lungs of a chain smoker – all these views for you to enjoy at one of Warsaw’s shopping centers. “This is an exhibition of life and not death,” says Dr Roy Glover, a retired professor of anatomy and cell biology, medical director of the exhibition, quoted in the Warsaw supplement of Gazeta Wyborcza. Asked whether a shopping spree and preserved organs mix, the organizers explained the choice was made on the basis of available space and infrastructure as well as the possibility of renting a facility for several months. Science with its gory details will be available for visitors until June.