More Streets to be Named in Honour of Władysław Bartoszewski

Krzysztof Bielawski, 16 November 2016
Street, squares and bridges - cities around Poland have named these in honour of historian, politician, co-founder of the Council to Aid Jews "Żegota" and Righteous Among the Nations Władysław Bartoszewski.

At the end of August, Łódż city councillors decided that a section of a roadway, popularly known as the "Upper Route", will bear the name "Aleją Władysława Bartoszewskiego" (Władysław Bartoszewski Avenue). Councillors voted 24 in favour and 11 against the motion.

A similar decision was taken on 29th September in Opole, creating "Władysław Bartoszewski Square" near the monument dedicated to the soldiers of the Home Army (AK). This was not decided without some opposition.

"We consider that Mr Bartoszewski has already been sufficiently honoured by the city of Opole", said Councillor Sławomir Batko. "More places honouring his memory are not needed.".

The proposal was supported by thirteen councillors, with seven voting against and two abstentions.

Wrocław may soon have a Władysław Bartoszewski Bridge. This is one of the planned projects for which the Council is still seeking funds.

"A bridge is intended to clinkt two river banks. Professor Władysław Bartoszewski was a person who strove to link and unite people, even people of extreme views”, said Mateusz Jędrachowicz from the "New Wrocław Association.

And yesterday, Szczecinek city councillors voted to change the name of the existing ul.9 Maja in honour of Władysław Bartoszewski. This continued the practice of changing streets named during the Communist era. This proposal was also the subject of vigorous council debate. "Together for Szczecinek" councillors objected to the proposal.

There may also be a "Władysław Bartoszewski Square" in Warsaw, between ul. Białą and al. Jana Pawła II. Near the courthouse, the so-called "Leszno Courts" is a site where Jews endeavoured to escape to the "Aryan side" from the Warsaw ghetto. The Warsaw City Council is to make a decision on this matter on Thursday, 20th October2016.

Sources: Brzózka P., Trasa Górna będzie aleją Władysława Bartoszewskiego [online]http://www.dzienniklodzki.pl/wiadomosci/lodz/a/trasa-gorna-bedzie-aleja-wladyslawa-bartoszewskiego,10576710/ [dostęp: 18.10.2016], Kozioł M., Most imienia Władysława Bartoszewskiego we Wrocławiu? Wniosek w magistracie[online] http://wroclaw.wyborcza.pl/wroclaw/1,35771,20710870,most-imienia-wladyslawa-bartoszewskiego-we-wroclawiu wniosek.html?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=SM&utm_campaign=FB_Komentarze[dostęp: 18.10.2016], Placek D., Opole będzie miało Skwer Władysława Bartoszewskiego [online] http://radio.opole.pl/100,172239,opole-bedzie-mialo-skwer-wladyslawa-bartoszewski [dostęp: 18.10.2016], Wełnic R., Bartoszewski będzie miał swoją ulicę w Szczecinku [online]http://www.gk24.pl/wiadomosci/szczecinek/a/bartoszewski-bedzie-mial-swoja-ulice-w-szczecinku,10711486/ [dostęp: 18.10.2016], WK, ŚM, Na wniosek działacza Nowoczesnej. Na Woli powstanie skwer prof. Bartoszewskiego? [online]http://tvnwarszawa.tvn24.pl/informacje,news,na-woli-powstanie-skwer-brprof-bartoszewskiego,214611.html [dostęp: 18.10.2016].