US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power received \"The Spirit of Jan Karski Award\"

A well-attended reception featured an introduction by Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka, who welcomed the distinguished guests: US Ambassador Samantha Power, Permanent Representative to the UN, Polish Ambassador to the UN Ryszard Sarkowicz, and the Board of Directors and Advisory Board of the Jan Karski Educational Foundation. Consul General talked about Jan Karski’s courageous mission on behalf of the Polish Government in Exile during World War II. Consul General emphasized that the spirit of Karski is still present today through the Jan Karski Educational Foundation, but also pointed to the fact that the Polish Consulate is located at “Jan Karski Corner” and that the famous Karski bench in front of the de Lamar Mansion – home of the Consulate General – serves as a reminder of his legacy.

Passing the floor to Wanda Urbańska, President of the Foundation, Consul General Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka handed over a letter from Poland’s Ambassador to the US Ryszard Schnepf. In the letter, Ambassador Schnepf extended his congratulations and respect to Ambassador Samantha Power for her actions to combat genocide around the world, in line with the well-known motto “never again”, which appeared following the Second World War.

Wanda Urbańska, commenting on the history of the Foundation, mentioned that it all began in 2011, at the Consulate General. “During the dinner we set three goals we wanted to accomplish. Firstly, we wanted to make sure that Jan Karski receives the highest recognition for his actions during the Second World War. This goal was accomplished on May 29, 2012, when President Barack Obama presented, posthumously, the Medal of Freedom to Jan Karski. Secondly, we decided to bring Karski’s book ‘Story of a Secret State” back to print, for the first time since 1944.Thirdly, we wanted to name academic programs in his memory.” – highlighted Wanda Urbańska.

David Harris, Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee, and who knew Jan Karski personally, spoke afterwards. “Of all the people I have met, I dare to say, I have met no one who has had more impact on my character than Jan Karski” – stressed David Harris. “His striking traits were humility, dignity, and a sense of failure – he thought he had failed the Jewish people in Poland, as he had failed to persuade Churchill, Roosevelt, and the Western world that the Holocaust was actually happening.” David Harris then presented “The Jan Karski Spirit Award” to US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power. “I can think of no greater honor than being presented with the award named after Karski.” – stressed David Harris.

Ambassador Samantha Power in her acceptance speech stated that she was tremendously humbled and honored to receive the award. “Jan Karski was a hero of mine.” – underscored Ambassador Power. “When we look back at professor Karski, it becomes clear that he was part of a different moral and intellectual species.” – maintained Ambassador Samantha Power. To her, Karski was one of the good people, who had not succumbed to the despair, even though he had been surprised and shocked by the actions of Nazi Germany. “His legacy will be sustained” – stressed Ambassador Power. She then turned to Raphael Lemkin, a Polish lawyer of Jewish descent, best known for his work against genocide – a word he coined in 1944. “Through Jan Karski’s bravery and Raphael Lemkin’s deep personal sorrow, as 49 members of his family had perished during the Holocaust, we are reminded that every day we need to act in their spirit.” ­– concluded Ambassador Samantha Power.

Following the award ceremony, the guests had an opportunity to listen to a piano recital by Katarzyna Musiał, a Polish-Canadian pianist, taste some authentic Polish cuisine, and participate in a Silent Auction of remarkable works of Polish artists.

Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York
233 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: 646-237-2100, Fax: 646-237-2116
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e-mail: nowyjork.kg.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl