December 16, 2014
WASHINGTON, DC—The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was presented with the Jan Karski Eagle Award, which was established by Jan Karski in 2000 “for the humanitarian service to others,” in a ceremony at the Museum today.
Director Sara J. Bloomfield accepted the award on behalf of the Museum from past-awardee Abraham H. Foxman, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League, and representatives of the Jan Karski Society. Past award recipients include Elie Wiesel, the Museum founding chairman and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
“Jan Karski knew the ‘terrible truth’ of the Holocaust while it was unfolding and tried to mobilize the world to stop it,” Bloomfield says. “The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum tells this truth to remember what happened and prevent it from happening again. I am honored to accept this award bearing Karski's name on behalf of these efforts."
Karski, born 100 years ago this year, was active in the Polish underground during World War II, becoming a courier for the resistance and bringing out firsthand news to the British and American governments about the murder of Europe’s Jews—even meeting with US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. (Allied governments were focused on the military defeat of Germany and Karski’s message was greeted with disbelief or indifference.) He is recognized by Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, as one of the rescuers—“Righteous Among the Nations”—for his exceptional heroism. After the war, Karski moved to the District of Columbia, became a US citizen, and devoted himself to remembrance and education.
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors. For more information, visit www.ushmm.org.
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