A Meeting with Righteous at Góra Kalwaria

KJ, 16 November 2016
On 25th June, workshops for young people were held at Góra Kalwaria. Their subject was the saving of Jews by Poles during World War II. Guests of honour at the meeting were witnesses to history from Góra Kalwaria – Righteous Kazimierz Orlik and Marianna Karpman, together with one of those rescued, Henryk Prajs.

These workshops were the last in a cycle organised in conjunction with the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Students from two schools participated in the workshops – Elementary School No.2 and the Rev.Sajny Junior High School. The aim of the workshops was to acquaint the young people with elements of the culture and history of Polish Jews – especially those from Góra Kalwaria.

The meeting took place in the local Town Hall. Mayor Dariusz Zieliński welcomed those assembled and stressed the educational value of the workshops. A teacher, Aleksandra Komosa, summarised the activities.

Historian Piotr Rytko led the students through the issues related to saving Jews and presented them with examples of help extended in Góra Kalwaria. A representative of the Polish Righteous – Recalling Forgotten History project, Klara Jackl, spoke about the project’s activities.

Then it was the turn of the guests of honour to speak – those who were witnesses to history. The Righteous Kazimierz Orlik and Marianna Karpman (nee Konarzewska) spoke of the help extended to the Karpman brothers. Marianna showed everyone the medal and certificate bestowed upon her by Yad Vashem. Henryk Prajs also described his experiences. Students asked him many questions about his life during the War.

Following the addresses, students took part in the workshops. They were divided into small groups which analysed source texts about help extended to Jews. These text assignments were prepared by tezchers Aleksandra Komosa and Renata Przybylska.

Translation: Andrew Rajcher