Jewish Group Lobbies for Return of Stolen Torah Scrolls Found in Polish Monastery

Torah scrolls stolen during the Holocaust by a Polish priest have finally been discovered, but the Polish church appears reluctant to hand them over.

Thirty-five Torah scrolls were recently discovered in a Polish monastery, where they have been hidden since the Holocaust.

It is believed that the scrolls were stolen more than 70 years ago by a local priest, a known anti-Semite who sought to uncover secrets that were apparently hidden by Jews in the sacred books. For decades, the scrolls were kept in the monastery’s rundown basement. Jonny Daniels, founder and chairman of an Israel-based Holocaust commemoration organization called From The Depths, learned of the scrolls’ existence, and after months of negotiating with the heads of the Polish Church, he was granted entry to the monastery in order to see the scrolls.

“Seeing 35 Torah scrolls sitting on dirty shelves in a Polish monastery offended my Jewish soul, because of the blatant disregard shown to the scrolls,” Daniels told Israel Hayom.

“Some of the books are torn and can’t be used, so unless we find someone who will able to repair them, we’ll have to bury them,” he said. “However, the majority of Torah scrolls are in good shape, and can be put back to use.”

Under Jewish law, burial is the only method of disposal for sacred objects deemed unfit for use. While the heads of the Polish Church agreed to give Daniels the scrolls, they appear reluctant to return them to Jewish hands. From The Depths has enlisted the help of Polish attorneys who have volunteered their services to ensure the scrolls’ safe return to Jewish hands.

“I expect the Polish government to intervene and see to the scrolls’ immediate return to the Jewish people,” said Daniels.

By: JNS.org and United with Israel Staff

Send Passover Packages to Needy Israeli Soldiers - Bring Them Joy!

We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Israel. Since October 7th, soldiers have been on the battlefield for months - many are hoping to come home for Passover.

Join us in sending Passover food packages (and personal notes) to Israeli soldiers and their families.

Many soldiers spend the Passover holiday with needy families back home. The soldiers greatly appreciate your love and concern. Bring them Passover joy!

CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR PACKAGE AND NOTE TO ISRAELI SOLDIERS!