“Righteous Among the Nations” Title Award Ceremony in Częstochowa

Redakcja, 5 June 2025

Father Bolesław Wróblewski (1867–1951), a Roman Catholic priest, social activist and the first priest of the Holy Family Parish in Częstochowa, was posthumously honoured, by the Yad Vashem Institute, with the title of “Righteous Among the Nations”. The medal and honorary diploma were presented on 26th May 2025, at the Częstochowa Stary Ratusz (Old Town Hall), in the presence of the priest’s family, as well as representatives of local government, the Church and members of the local Jewish community. Watch the ceremony coverage and learn more about the story of Father Bolesław Wróblewski on the Polish Righteous portal.

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“In a world of hatred and indifference, there were – and still are – people who choose love, solidarity and human decency. During the German occupation, in the shadow of terror and death, Father Wróblewski organised aid for the displaced, the poor and the persecuted, including for those who, because of their origin, were condemned to extermination. He helped regardless of nationality or religion. He was not guided by politics, but by humanity.”

“Today, when suffering, hatred and the temptation of indifference are still present around us, Father Wróblewski’s stance becomes a message. His life is a moral compass and a reminder that we always can – and must – choose good which, in the face of suffering, we must not remain silent and that helping victims is not a gesture but a duty”, said Częstochowa Mayor, Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk.

The ceremony for awarding the title of Righteous Among the Nations was organised by the Embassy of the State of Israel in Poland, together with the Częstochowa Municipal Museum, located in the Old Town Hall on Najświętszej Maryi Panny Avenue.

The event was attended by the late Father’s family, representatives of local authorities – Częstochowa Mayor Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk and Deputy Mayor Ryszard Stefaniak, representatives of the Church – Archbishop Wacław Depo and Bishop Andrzej Przybylski, members of the local Jewish community as well as students from No. IV Henryk Sienkiewicz Secondary School.

The honouring of the late Father Bolesław Wróblewski, with the title of “Righteous Among the Nations” took place many years after Miriam Rothschild, née Rubin (b. 1942), who survived with his help, submitted a request to the Yad Vashem Institute.

Alon Goldman, Vice-President of the World Society of Częstochowa Jews & Their Descendants, wrote about the background of the title’s awarding in a letter addressed to the participants of the ceremony:

“The first time I heard the name of Father Wróblewski and the story of his efforts to save Jews during the Holocaust was in 2018. When I began researching the case, I discovered that Yad Vashem had, since 2007, an open file with a recommendation to award him the title of ‘Righteous Among the Nations’. The application was submitted by Miriam Rothschild (née Rubin). Yad Vashem had difficulty in accepting her testimony because, at the time, Miriam was only three-years-old – and what can a little girl that age remember?”

“[...] During my research in the archives of the Ghetto Fighters’ House Museum in Israel, I was surprised to find Miriam’s card, written in Yiddish and containing Father Wróblewski’s name. The card had been filled out by a member of ‘Koordynacja’ [a Jewish organization aimed at reuniting Jewish children with their parents after the war – ed.] and by Miriam’s father – two adults who remembered the priest as someone who had saved the little girl.”

“And so, although no further names of children, who were saved by the priest, could be found, approval was granted for Father Wróblewski to be awarded the title of ‘Righteous Among the Nations’.”

“[...] Yes, it is never too late to do what is right!”

During the ceremony, Bosmat Baruch, Head of Public Diplomacy at the Embassy of Israel in Poland, presented the “Righteous Among the Nations” medal and honorary diploma to Father Bolesław Wróblewski’s nephew, Bolesław Antoni Majewski, who concluded by saying:

“I thank the Institute for this extremely important initiative, for preserving the memory of a history that teaches us responsibility and courage. The medal and diploma will be given a proper place in our family’s treasury of remembrance. On behalf of Father Wróblewski’s family, I thank you – as the grandson of Father Wróblewski’s sister, Wanda Wróblewska-Majewska.”

Father Bolesław Wróblewski (1867–1951), during the liquidation of the Częstochowa ghetto by the Germans, worked with the Congregation of the Servant Sisters of Mary Immaculate to help save many Jewish children, by organising safe shelters and false documents for them. Among those children was Miriam Rubin (later Rothschild).

Learn more about Father Wróblewski on the Polish Righteous portal →