'They really believe it has nothing to do with anti-Semitism' (illustration)
Photo: AFP
"Fortune dolls" or another sign of anti-Semitism in Europe?
Souvenir stores in Poland have been selling in recent months dolls of Jewish characters with many features of religious Jews – a long beard, side-locks, a black coat, a prayer shawl and a black skullcap.
According to the stores' salespeople, the dolls "bring good luck" and have a coin in their pocket, as many people link Jews to money.
Many Jewish tourists visiting Poland and members of the Jewish community have expressed their anger over the dolls, but the state's institutions say it has nothing to do with anti-Semitism.
"They really believe it has nothing to do with anti-Semitism," says Israeli Ambassador to Poland Anna Azari. "I even received such a doll as a gift once."