Ronald Steven Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress and a longtime supporter of the Auschwitz Museum, has been honored with the Jan Karski Eagle Award for his contributions to Polish-Jewish relations.
The award recognizes his dedication to preserving historical memory and fostering mutual understanding and respect between the two communities.
Lauder expressed deep pride in receiving the distinction, calling Karski a personal hero for his courageous efforts to expose the Holocaust.
Both Karski and Lauder exemplify the importance of building meaningful international relationships, especially amid the rise of global antisemitism, the Jan Karski Society emphasized.
Lauder, who visited Poland earlier this year, delivered a speech on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp.
The Jan Karski Eagle Award, established on May 5, 2000, by Polish war courier and Holocaust witness Jan Karski, honors individuals who have demonstrated a deep concern for Poland, regardless of their nationality.
The award is represented by an Eagle statuette and does not include a monetary prize, reflecting Karski’s belief that dignity is beyond financial value.
The award’s committee includes prominent figures such as former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski, European Commission Vice President Věra Jourová, as well as religious and academic leaders.
Source: IAR/PAP/X/YouTube/@WorldJewishCong
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