As a native of Jerusalem who grew up in the Katamon neighborhood, I recall as a child how my parents used to pick up special delivery mail at the Chopin post office, not far from our home.
This branch operated on a small street bearing the composer’s name. Over the years, as I grew to admire the music of this remarkable Polish talent, I became increasingly curious: why is Frédéric Chopin the only renowned composer to have a street named after him in Israel’s capital city?
Not many know that in November 1960, marking 150 years since the composer’s birth, the Jerusalem Municipality decided to name a street in his honor. The decision followed a promise made by foreign minister Golda Meir to Władysław Gomułka, secretary-general of the Polish Communist Party, as a symbolic gesture of friendship between Israel and Poland.
The move sparked debate, but was ultimately adopted. Over time, Chopin Street became home to some of the city’s most important cultural and musical landmarks – most notably the Jerusalem Theatre and its Henry Crown Concert Hall – the largest venue in the theater, hosting classical concerts, international ensembles, and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.
Years passed, and while visiting Warsaw this summer, I decided to follow in the footsteps of the city’s most beloved son. Frédéric Chopin and Warsaw are deeply connected. He spent his formative years in this city, and today, his presence is felt everywhere with music, monuments, and the collective memory. He holds a revered and symbolic place in the Polish national identity.
Our journey began upon arrival at Warsaw Chopin Airport, named in 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the composer’s reburial in his homeland. Although he died in Paris at the age of 39, Chopin’s heart, according to his final wish, is interred in Warsaw’s Church of the Holy Cross. Visiting the church and observing the column that holds his heart is a deeply moving experience.
Just a short walk away, we entered a musical district anchored by the Chopin University of Music, which often hosts open rehearsals and public recitals. Nearby is the extraordinary Chopin Museum, one of the world’s most advanced biographical museums, housed in the historic Ostrogski Palace.
The life and legacy of Frédéric Chopin on display
WE SPENT hours there, time-traveling through the life and legacy of an artist who gave an emotional voice to a nation. Visitors can immerse themselves in Chopin’s music, celebrated for its lyrical intimacy, technical brilliance, and deep emotional resonance. The museum shop overflows with Chopin-themed merchandise, but don’t miss the heartfelt entries in the guest book. I made sure to add my own.
A short ride took us to the iconic Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park, designed in Art Nouveau style by Wacław Szymanowski. The sculpture depicts Chopin seated beneath a windswept weeping willow, whose branches arch above him like the hand of a pianist, symbolizing the unity of music and nature.
Originally unveiled in 1926, destroyed during World War II, and rebuilt in 1958, it remains a cherished landmark of Polish cultural heritage. Tourists and locals gather here this summer, soaking in the beauty of the park and the enduring spirit of Chopin.
Touring Warsaw today evokes a compelling blend of contrast, curiosity, and quiet awe. The kind of emotional layering found only in cities shaped by both tragedy and triumph. As a Jewish Israeli, walking in Warsaw today stirs a complex mix of emotions. Pride in seeing a vibrant city, alongside a deep awareness of the city’s role in Jewish history and the tragedies of the Holocaust.
Walking the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, meticulously rebuilt from wartime ashes, I found it postcard-perfect, and yet, I still felt the weight of what once stood there. A café nearby serves espresso and pierogi, and laughter fills the square.
It’s charming, yes, but beneath the surface, history hums like a distant cello note. Though this was not my first visit to Warsaw, I still felt as if I’d stumbled into someone’s private story of survival and reinvention, and somehow, I became part of it for the day.
Chopin's cross-cultural thread
NEARBY, THE Wisła River, lined with a modern promenade, feels fresh, new, and inviting. Yet quiet and uncrowded. History tells us it has inspired artists for centuries. Flowing through the heart of the city, the river continues to shape life and creativity. Daily recitals in museums and galleries still celebrate Chopin’s enduring work.
We were fortunate to attend an emotional piano concert by Ewa Beata Ossowska, a Warsaw-born pianist and graduate of the Chopin University of Music. “Chopin has been with me since I was born,” she told me afterward, almost with tears. “He’s always been part of my soul.” The venue? A captivating ecclesiastical museum beside St. John’s Archcathedral in the Old Town. A true hidden gem.
Not many know this, but the connection between the Japanese people and Chopin is surprisingly deep and culturally significant. Though he never visited Japan, his music crossed oceans and centuries to find a second home in Japanese hearts seen in the city landmarks dedicated to the composer. The bond is not historical, but emotional and artistic, uniting two cultures through the universal language of music.
This cross-cultural thread led me to the Nobu Hotel Warsaw, a brand deeply rooted in Japanese origins and culinary philosophy. None other than Robert De Niro, co-founder, and Nobu Matsuhisa, the world-renowned Japanese chef, are behind the brand.
The cuisine fuses classical Japanese techniques with bold Peruvian flavors, resulting in dishes that are both elegant and approachable. What began as a bold culinary experiment quickly captivated the world, redefining a new voice of luxury hospitality.
Poland’s capital is one of those unique destinations, and in 2025, I was curious to experience Nobu’s brand of hospitality in this evolving city. Located in downtown Warsaw, the hotel blends minimalist Japanese design with touches of Peruvian flair, creating a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. The interiors are filled with warm light woods, private dining options, a sushi bar, and a vibrant main restaurant. All designed to reflect the calming aesthetics of water and air.
“It was Robert De Niro who told his partners, ‘We have a place to eat, but no place to sleep,’” says general manager Stefan Bauer, when I asked how the hotel concept began. The Austrian-born executive smiles as he shares Nobu Warsaw’s story. “We’ve been on the capital’s hospitality map since 2019, with 115 rooms and suites. Our Nobu restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and thanks to our exclusivity and focus on privacy, we mostly attract guests who truly value that spirit.”
Bauer acknowledges the challenge of Warsaw’s image, still shadowed by its turbulent history. “A city entirely destroyed during the war, Warsaw continues to reinvent itself through remarkable restoration and bold modernism”.
On our final evening, we celebrated the reason we chose to stay at this unique property: the enduring Nobu Signature Tasting Menu. A three-hour omakase-style (the chef selects and serves a series of dishes of his choosing) experience brought everything full circle. A farewell dinner priced at €100 per person. An experience worth every moment. A perfect ending in the city of Chopin, and a memory to keep forever.
My next walk along Chopin Street in Jerusalem will undoubtedly be uplifted.