National Day of Remembrance for Poles Who Rescued Jews
Every year on March 24, the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) honours the National Day of Remembrance for Poles Who Rescued Jews. This day holds deep significance as it commemorates the heroic acts of individuals who risked their lives to save others during the dark days of German occupation.
In 1944, the Ulma family, along with the eight Jews they were sheltering, were tragically executed by the German gendarmerie. The sacrifice of Józef and Wiktoria Ulma, along with their children and the Jews they were protecting, symbolizes the courage and determination of those who stood up against hatred and persecution.
Commemorating Acts of Courage
The National Day of Remembrance is a day to reflect on the bravery of those who defied Nazi oppression and risked everything to help others. The day’s events include a mass at Lublin’s archcathedral and an exhibition dedicated to the Ulma family. Flowers are laid at the homes of those who paid the ultimate price for their heroism, such as Sister Marta Wołowska.
Fr. Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski, Rector of KUL, emphasizes the importance of this day, highlighting the courage of those who faced death to save innocent lives. Their example serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all.
Preserving History and Honoring Heroes
The stories of these brave individuals, like the Ulma family and Sister Marta Wołowska, are not widely known outside of Poland. Through efforts like the book “They Even Killed the Children” and the research conducted by the Center for Historical Geography of the Church at KUL, the memory of these heroes is being preserved and shared with the world.
Research shows that over 2,000 sisters in Poland were involved in rescuing Jews during the Holocaust. These courageous women, from various religious congregations, risked their lives to help those in need, despite the grave consequences they faced.
Honoring the Legacy of Courage
Through initiatives like the Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations, the Catholic University of Lublin continues to uphold the memory of those who risked everything to save others. The book “Wartime Rescue of Jews by the Polish Catholic Clergy” by Ryszard Tyndorf is a testament to the bravery of clergy members who put their lives on the line to help those in need.
On this National Day of Remembrance, let us honour the legacy of courage and selflessness shown by those who risked everything to save others, and let their stories inspire us to stand up against injustice and hatred.
