Poland in South Africa

The Head of the Mission gave a speech. He spoke about the genesis of the establishment of the Council for Aid to Jews "Żegota". He mentioned that "Żegota" was an organization of the Polish state, the only one in the whole of German-occupied Europe dedicated exclusively to saving Jews. Risking their own lives, civilian conspirators saved at least several thousand people from the Holocaust. The employees of "Żegota" themselves estimated that they provided aid to about 40-50 thousand Jews.

Wanda Albinski shared moving memories from the occupation, spoke about the importance of the aid provided by "Żegota", and expressed gratitude for the sacrifice of the members of the Council, Poles, who saved thousands of Jewish citizens from certain death, torture and suffering.

The opening date of the exhibition "Żegota. Council for Aid to Jews" coincided with the National Day of Remembrance of Poles Saving Jews under German Occupation, celebrated on 24 March.

The exhibition, which was prepared by the Institute of National Remembrance, will be presented in Johannesburg until the end of May this year, and will then be moved to Durban and Cape Town.

Photos: Grażyna Koornhof/Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria