Abstract

Abstract The author offers his thoughts and recollections of Jan Karski, the Polish courier best known for reporting on the Holocaust during World War II, based on a lengthy personal acquaintance. He describes Karski as a modest man, uncomfortable with being regarded as a hero and sobered by his wartime experiences as well as several personal misfortunes, his sobriety moderated by a characteristic dry wit. Although widely lionized now, he was not immune to criticism during his lifetime, including from within Polish American circles, and sometimes espoused political or historical positions that departed from the majority attitudes of the Polish diaspora. The author concludes that the enduring significance of his famous wartime mission was to force the world to pay attention to the annihilation of European Jews and to become, in effect, an advocate of justice for any and all stateless or underrepresented peoples.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.