On 23 November the Jerusalem‑based Jad Waszem Institute posted that Jews in Poland were compelled to wear a Star of David badge, prompting Polish officials to demand clarification and denounce the claim as inaccurate.
Jad Waszem post on Jewish badges
On 23 November the group’s X account circulated a tweet claiming that Poland was the first country to require Jews to wear a distinctive badge, without noting that Poland was under Nazi occupation at the time.
It later added that Hans Frank, the German governor, ordered all Jews aged 10 and over to wear a white 10‑cm stripe with a blue Star of David on the right shoulder, dated 23 November 1939.
Historical accuracy concerns
Professor David Silberklang, a historian at Jad Waszem, critiqued the post, saying “no apology is necessary” and that repeating obvious implications was unnecessary. He also pointed out that the occupation context should be explicitly mentioned.
Polish historian Jacek Leociak of PAN’s Centre for Holocaust Research noted the claim was misleading, arguing the order for Jews to wear the star took effect on 1 December 1939, not 23 November.
Polish diplomatic response
On 25 November Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski urged the institute to correct the information, stating that its role required careful handling of historical facts.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maciej Wewiór added that the omission of Germany’s occupation of Poland was “compromising” and demanded a more accurate portrayal.
Upcoming diplomatic meeting
The Polish foreign ministry arranged a meeting with the Israeli ambassador, called by deputy prime minister Radosław Sikorski, following publication of the post.