Polish Jews mourn their president

Jewish community leaders this week paid moving tributes to the late Polish President Lech Kaczynski, describing him as a champion of the Jewish people and "a real friend of Israel".

The president played a key role in establishing Poland's new Jewish museum, set to open in Warsaw in 2012. He was also the first Polish leader to attend a synagogue, where he lit a Chanukah candle.

Rabbi Shalom Stambler of Warsaw knew Kaczynski personally. He told the Jewish News: "The president visited Israel three times while in office. In any global-political crisis in which Israel was involved, he was always with Israel, no matter what."

Read more: http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/world/c-13828/polish-jews-mourn-their-president/