Poland Honors Those Who Rescued Jews in WWII

LUBLIN – Poland commemorated the National Day of Remembrance for Poles Who Rescued Jews with a series of events led by the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL). March 24 holds deep significance, marking the anniversary of the 1944 execution of the Ulma family, who were murdered by German forces for sheltering Jews. The day also recalls the 1941 establishment of the Lublin Ghetto, a grim symbol of Nazi oppression.

The remembrance events included a Mass at Lublin’s archcathedral, an exhibition dedicated to the Ulma family, and tributes to Sister Marta Wołowska, a nun executed for protecting Jews near Słonim. Local and regional authorities, as well as representatives from Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance, took part in the commemorations.

Fr. Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski, KUL’s rector, emphasized the courage of Poles who risked their lives to save Jews, knowing they and their families faced the death penalty. “The example of the Righteous – these hidden heroes – shines brightly and encourages us not to hesitate when others seek our help,” he said.

Uroczystości w @Miasto_Lublin @lubelskiIPN upamiętniające Narodowy Dzień Pamięci Polaków ratujących Żydów pod okupacją niemiecką z udziałem rektora @KUL_Lublin oraz @HeschelKULpl oraz gościa – watykanistki @manutulli pic.twitter.com/unvdq61ZLe

— KUL, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (@KUL_Lublin) March 24, 2025

Although the Ulma family’s story is well-known in Poland, it has only recently gained international recognition. Journalist Manuela Tulli, co-author of They Even Killed the Children: The Story of the Ulma Family, noted that efforts to share their story abroad, particularly in Italy, have helped raise awareness.

Research has also shed light on the role of Poland’s Catholic clergy in rescuing Jews. Sister Dr. Monika Kupczewska revealed that 2,345 Polish nuns participated in clandestine rescue efforts, despite the extreme risks. Unlike in other European countries, aiding Jews in Poland was punishable by death.

The Catholic University of Lublin continues to document these acts of heroism through initiatives like the Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations. Among its efforts is a newly released, 1,200-page monograph by historian Ryszard Tyndorf, Wartime Rescue of Jews by the Polish Catholic Clergy, which compiles testimonies from Jews saved by priests and nuns during the Holocaust.

Through these efforts, Poland seeks to preserve the memory of those who stood against Nazi brutality and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Prezentacja wystawy #IPN „Śmierć za człowieczeństwo. Rodzina Ulmów” na Placu Litewskim przed budynkiem Poczty Głównej w #Lublin. Otwarcia ekspozycji dokonał Dyrektor Oddziału IPN w Lublinie dr Robert Derewenda. Wystawę będzie można oglądać do 18 kwietnia 2025 r. pic.twitter.com/1wVkQnfRpd

— IPN Lublin (@lubelskiIPN) March 24, 2025

✝️✡️Bardzo niewiele się mówi za granicą o Polakach ratujących Żydów – stwierdziła @manutulli, watykanistka, dziennikarka @Agenzia_Ansa podczas briefingu w Lublinie, który został zorganizowany przez @HeschelKULpl.

➡️https://t.co/xad7GTwOtQ@EpiskopatNews @KUL_Lublin pic.twitter.com/4Omkuk7dqp

— Vatican News PL (@VaticanNewsPL) March 24, 2025