Letter from the President of the Association to the Minister of Justice, Mr. Adam Bodnar

Warsaw, July 11, 2025

To the Honorable
Minister of Justice
Adam Bodnar

Dear Minister,

The community of Jewish Combatants and Victims of World War II strongly opposes the continued impunity of Grzegorz Braun.

Auschwitz denial is a vile crime that was steadfastly opposed by our recently deceased Mentor and Friend, Auschwitz survivor Mr. Marian Turski. We cannot accept the falsification of history by a person who holds Polish citizenship yet questions the very existence of the Holocaust – the extermination of the Jews. It is impossible for us to remain indifferent to such excesses, as we are living witnesses to those tragic events.

We are outraged by his public defamation of the memory of our loved ones, and deeply concerned about the prolonged lack of accountability for Grzegorz Braun.

We respectfully ask for your personal oversight of the proceedings concerning Mr. Braun, taking into account all of his reprehensible actions, which – beyond provoking our indignation and categorical protest – are damaging Poland’s reputation on the international stage.

With respect and sincere regards,

Jan Okulicz-Kozaryn
Chairman

Speech by the Chairman of the Association at the “Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Medal” Ceremony

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today’s ceremony holds special meaning for us. We gather not only to present the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Medals, but also to honor the memory of those who, in the darkest moments of history, remained faithful to the values of courage, solidarity, and humanity. It is also a moment to express our gratitude to today’s heroes – individuals whose actions remind us that the fight for dignity and equality never truly ends.

This medal was established in 1993 by our Association of Jewish Combatants and Victims of World War II. My predecessors – the remarkable Arnold Mostowicz and Tomasz Miedziński, who led the Association at that time – believed that in a free Poland, it was necessary to find a way to honor those who, regardless of origin, faith, or worldview, stand up against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hatred. Next year, we will mark the 35th anniversary of the Association’s existence.

In 2022, we invited the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland to join us in co-organizing and advancing this mission – an institution with a tremendous legacy in preserving the memory of Jewish history in Poland. This partnership is a great support and help to us, allowing us to continue this work with even greater strength as the last eyewitnesses of the Holocaust leave this world.

Today, as every year, we honor individuals who, through their everyday actions – not for reward and not for recognition – show that the fight against hatred begins with responding to the suffering of another person.
This year’s edition of the medals, as well as the Marek Edelman Award, was organized entirely by the team of Piotr Wiślicki – our Friends from the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute – to whom I extend my sincere thanks.

I would like to conclude this speech in a special way.

Until last year, two extraordinary individuals were deeply engaged in the organization and spiritual stewardship of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Medal – Marian Turski and Marian Kalwary. Two friends, witnesses to history, and people profoundly committed to remembrance and the fight for dignity.
In a week, we will mark the anniversary of the passing of Marian Kalwary.

Today, they are no longer with us. But their deep wisdom, dedication, and commitment to this cause remain among us.
In their memory and out of respect for their many years of service, I now kindly ask you to observe a moment of silence.

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