The World Jewish Congress has condemned a tradition in the small Polish town of Pruchnik in which villagers beat and burn an effigy of Judas on Good Friday. In the ritual, the figure of Judas is given features that match anti-Semitic stereotypes.
"Jews are deeply disturbed by this ghastly revival of medieval anti-Semitism that led to unimaginable violence and suffering," CEO Robert Singer said in a statement posted on the organization's website.
"We can only hope that the Church and other institutions will do their best to overcome these frightful prejudices which are a blot on Poland's good name," he added.
The tradition, which originates in the 18th century according to local media, was revived by Pruchnik this year after a long pause. The Catholic Church in Poland has long banned the practice, saying it promotes hatred and violence. Christians believe Judas betrayed Jesus in exchange for a payment of 30 pieces of silver and that Jesus was later crucified and then resurrected, which represents the salvation of humanity.