Karski Exhibition to Feature in Warsaw's "Singer Festival"

Mateusz Szczepaniak, 16 November 2016
An exhibition dedicated to Jan Karski, the legendary courier of the Polish Underground, is to open on 25th August 2015 at the Jewish Historical Institute as part of this year's Warsaw "Singer Festival". Karski was the first to tell leaders of the Allies about the mass murder of Jews during World War II. The exhibition has been prepared by the Jan Karski Education Foundation.

The exhibition, Jan Karski - a Mission for Humanity, presents the most important moments in Jan Karski's life, using unique iconographic material - photographs, documents, certificates and awards. The memorabilia are presented in conjunction with quotes by Karski from his books, letters, public appearances and film. The principal narrative theme is linked with places, events and figures which the life of Jan Karski. Among the certificates on display with be that with which he was presented when honoured with the title of Righteous Among the Nations.

"Unfortunately, Jan Karski is still a relatively unknown figure. Three weeks ago, during the opening of a boulevard which bears his name, it turned out that many people had no idea who he was. After all, he figure should be an example to all of sensitivity which should be shown to those dramas occurring today. Karski's values - morality, a sense of mission courage - are all still relevant", said Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka, Presidents of the Jan Karski Education Foundation Committee.

Graphic designed of the exhibition is Maciej Sadowski, photographer, philosopher and author of exceptional photo-biographies. His album on Karski, published in 2014, is Sadowski's fourth photo-biography, following those on Maria Skłodowska-Curie (2011), Janusz Korczak (2012) and Ryszard Kapuściński (2013).

The official opening of the exhibition will take place at 6:30pm on 25th August 2015 at the Jewish Historical Institute. Participating in the event will be Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka, President of the Jan Karski Education Foundation, Ewa Wierzyńska, Foundation Council member, and the exhibition's creator, Maciej Sadowski. The exhibition can be viewed until 28th August 2015 between 10:00am and 6:00pm. Entry is free.