The Polish participants of the Shavei Israel-organized trip on their first day in Israel. Photo: Shavei Israel.

JNS.org – Fifteen Poles who have discovered their Jewish heritage arrived in Israel on Tuesday in time for the Purim holiday as part of a trip organized by Shavei Israel, an organization working to reconnect Diaspora Jews with Israel.

Many young Poles who were raised as Christians have been discovering their Jewish roots in recent years. Their heritage was likely hidden due to their families trying to survive the Holocaust, or during the country’s former era of Communist rule.

“Purim revolves around the heroism of the biblical Queen Esther, who was forced to conceal her Jewish identity for many years before proudly reasserting it,” said Shavei Israel’s founder and chairman, Michael Freund.

“What better way for the young Hidden Jews of Poland to connect with their Jewish heritage than to experience Israel during this spiritually joyous and lively time,” he added.

The Polish group is visiting Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other parts of the country.