Anniversaries of the establishment of the Council to Aid Jews "Żegota”
Established on 4th December 1942, the Council was set up through the Polish Government-in Exile. It operated as the Temporary Committee to Aid Jews, functioning through as a government department.
Its staff comprised members of leftist and democratic political parties, Polish and Jewish organisations, as well as individuals from intelligentsia and Catholic circles. "Żegota” was the only state-sponsored organisation, within occupied Europe, set up with the specific goal of saving Jews and operating within the underground structure. Aid provided took the form of providing financial support, hiding places and false documents. Several thousand people were assisted in this manner, including children who were hidden with Polish families or within orphanages.
Since 4 December 2012 POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews honouring of anniversary of the "Żegota", organizing educational meetings for young people with witnesses to history. In 2012-2014 with the students met prof. Władysław Bartoszewski, a member of the Council. From 2015 meetings participates Elżbieta Ficowska, who as a small child was rescued by members of the "Żegota".
After meetings students lay flowers at the monument of "Żegota", which is located on the square of Ludwik Zamenhof Street, at the entrance to POLIN Museum. It is a small cube designed by Hanna Szmalenberg and Mark Moderau.
