The history of Jews in Poland dates back to the 10th century, when Jewish merchants began settling in the region. By the 14th century, Poland became a significant center for Jewish life in Europe, with thriving communities in cities like Kraków and Warsaw. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth offered relative tolerance, allowing Jewish culture and religion to flourish. However, the situation changed dramatically during the Holocaust in World War II, when approximately 3 million Polish Jews were murdered by the Nazi regime. After the war, many survivors emigrated, leading to a significant decline in the Jewish population. Today, Poland has a small but vibrant Jewish community, working to preserve its rich heritage.