English Section

Poles thanked by Israeli president for saving Jews in WWII

16.10.2019 13:21
Nine Poles awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations for risking their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust were thanked by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday in Jerusalem.
Audio
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (right) meets the Polish delegation in Jerusalem
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (right) meets the Polish delegation in Jerusalem Photo: PAP/Mateusz Marek

Rivlin praised the Poles for their courage and what he described as their exceptional humanity during World War II, when Poland was under Nazi German occupation.

The group of Righteous Among the Nations were among a Polish delegation including World War II veterans and government officials who met Rivlin at his presidential residence in Jerusalem during a visit to Israel on Wednesday.

The Righteous Among the Nations award is the highest Israeli civilian distinction. Recipients receive a medal with a quote from the Talmud saying: "Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire."

The title has been awarded since 1963 by the Yad Vashem Institute in Jerusalem to those who helped Jews suffering Nazi persecution during World War II.

Poles constitute the largest national group among the Righteous Among the Nations.

More than 6,600 ethnic Poles are commemorated in Israel's Garden of the Righteous in Jerusalem for aiding Jews during the war.

(pk/gs)

Source: PAP