A Discovery at 'Ganzim - The Hebrew Writers Association': Uplifting Greetings from Polish Poet Wisława Szymborska

On the last day of 2025, such a discovery was unexpected at 'Ganzim - The Hebrew Writers Association': joyous greetings from none other than Nobel Prize laureate (1996), Polish poet Wisława Szymborska. The greetings were found by David Shneidman, who is organizing the archive of Holocaust survivor author, Miriam Akavia.

Szymborska and Akavia maintained a warm friendship. They regularly met in Kraków during Miriam's visits to Poland. Colorful collage postcards, which Szymborska had sent her ahead of the New Year, were found in her archive. In a postcard dated 12/12/1998, the Polish poet wrote to her Israeli friend: "Kraków. Best wishes for the New Year, dear Mrs. Miriam (or alternatively, my dear Niusza - as your ladyship permitted me to call you)... When will your ladyship be in Kraków again? If only I knew a few days beforehand (because sometimes I travel) so that I could wait for you, Madam, at the doorstep... Hugs, Wisława."

I wish us all that the year 2026 brings good tidings and much tranquility.

(Photo credit: Courtesy of the Ganzim Archive)