Israeli school trips to Poland to hit record despite tensions: report

During such trips, high school students visit the sites of former Nazi-run concentration camps, particularly the former Nazi German death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau in the south of Poland.

The record expected to be set this year would mark a 30-percent increase compared to 2013, which Haaretz attributed to state subsidies introduced by the Israeli education ministry two years ago.

“Education Minister Naftali Bennett recently announced that the trips would continue as usual — despite the calls to cancel them in response to Poland’s passage of the [anti-defamation] law," the daily reported.

Polish President Andrzej Duda recently signed into force a contested law which could impose a jail term on anyone who accuses Poland of being complicit in Nazi German crimes. The move triggered tensions between Poland and Israel. (aba/pk)

Source: Haaretz, PAP