Born in Warsaw, Stanisław Aronson grew up in an assimilated Jewish family. He was the only one in the family to escape death by fleeing from a train destined for Treblinka. He continued his fight under nom de guerre “Rysiek” in the ranks of the Home Army. He fought in the Warsaw Uprising and later joined the II Corps of General Władyslaw Anders. After the Second World War, persecuted by the communist secret security services, UB, he emigrated to Israel, where throughout his life he remained an ambassador for the memory of the Polish Underground State, Polish efforts to save Jews, and an advocate for Polish–Jewish dialogue. Stanisław Aronson has repeatedly warned against hatred and manipulation of historical memory.

“Colonel Stanisław Aronson is one of those truly remarkable people whose lives became symbols of courage, commitment to values, and service to Poland despite the most tragic experiences,” said Deputy Prime Minister and head of Polish diplomacy Radosław Sikorski while presenting the Bene Merito honorary distinction.

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Established in 2009, the Bene Merito honorary distinction is conferred by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in acknowledgement of accomplishments that contribute to strengthening Poland’s international status.