THE “WARSAW
GHETTO UPRISING”
MEDALS AND THE MAREK EDELMAN
AWARD
Established in 1993, the “Warsaw Ghetto Uprising” Medals are awarded by the Association of Jewish Combatants and Victims of the Second World War to those who have made exceptional contributions to preserving the memory of the uprising and the history of Polish Jews.
In 2021, the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland was invited to co-organize the ceremony and carry on this tradition. The honors are presented to researchers, educators, and social activists dedicated to building historical awareness and countering prejudice.
This year’s honorees include:
Dorota Budzińska – a community leader from Dąbrowa Białostocka engaged in educational initiatives and organizations focused on the history of the Jewish population in the Podlasie region. She was recognized for her “many years of activity devoted to preserving the memory of the local Jewish community, building intercultural dialogue, and educating youth.”
Andrzej Golimont – a Varsovianist and researcher of the history of Warsaw, honored for his “many years of work to protect Jewish heritage and commemorate the multicultural history of Warsaw and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.”
Magdalena Gudzińska-Adamczyk
– a cultural manager and social activist, recognized “for her civic and educational activities, and for her sensitivity in fostering attitudes of openness, respect, and social responsibility.”
Jonathan Ornstein – Executive Director of the Jewish Community Centre (JCC) Krakow, one of the most important institutions working toward the revival of Jewish community life in Poland.
Ewa Prończuk – a community advocate and longtime member of the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland, honored for her “longstanding commitment to the life of the Jewish community in Poland and for nurturing the memory of the history and victims of the Shoah.”
Piotr Puchta – a diplomat affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland, recognized for his “efforts to protect Jewish heritage, strengthen international cooperation, and build dialogue on historical memory.”
The Marek Edelman Award, established by the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland alongside its founders Tomek Ulatowski and Andrzej Rojek, is presented to individuals deeply committed to combating antisemitism and working toward a society based on respect and responsibility. This annual distinction is bestowed by a jury comprising prominent figures from academic and civic circles.
This year’s laureate was Zuzanna Radzik—a theologian, writer, and social activist associated with organizations involved in Christian-Jewish dialogue, including the Forum for Dialogue, as well as educational programs concerning human rights and equality. She is also a regular contributor to the Tygodnik Powszechny weekly magazine.
The ceremony constituted an important element of work aimed at preserving the legacy of Polish Jewry. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of civic accountability in the face of contemporary challenges.
The gala at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews was organized by the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland and the Association of Jewish Combatants and Victims of the Second World War.
On 14 May, a ceremony for the presentation of the Marek Edelman Award and the “Warsaw Ghetto Uprising” Medals took place at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. The event aimed to honor individuals working to preserve the memory of Jewish history. Additionally, the Marek Edelman Award specifically recognized those actively engaged in Polish-Jewish dialogue and efforts to combat antisemitism.
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