The Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin: Establishing a Center for Research on Poles and Jews who Rescued Victims of Totalitarian Regimes

KUL, By Krzysiek dbk - Praca własna, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11591838

“In the coming weeks, the Center for Research on Poles Saving Jews and Jews Saving Poles during the Second World War and under communism will be set up at the Catholic University of Lublin,” said the Rector of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski.

The Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin stressed that the Center will be an independent research unit, functioning within the university’s structure. He added that consultations with various circles are currently being held and plans for its functioning in the coming years are being elaborated.

“Publications on mutual assistance between Poles and Jews in times of totalitarianism have already been written, but there is a need for a comprehensive approach to this issue, using scientific methodology and with in-depth research. These are fundamental issues in the history of both peoples in the 20^th century. Our university will take up these issues, also in response to requests that we receive,” said Prof. Kalinowski.

He noted that the Center for Research on Poles Saving Jews and Jews Saving Poles will cooperate with external entities, including foreign ones. Publications will be translated into English and Hebrew.

“We want the results of the Center’s research work to reach young people as well, hence new communication technologies will be used, so that the way of conveying information is in line with contemporary trends. One of the first projects will be a multimedia Encyclopedia of Poles Saving Jews and Jews Saving Poles, published in traditional and online versions,” explained the Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin.

He also indicated that the Center will have a scientific and program board, to which representatives of the Jewish community will be invited. Prof. Kalinowski noted that the initiative of the Catholic University of Lublin is supported by Bishop Rafał Markowski, chairman of the Committee for Dialogue with Judaism of the Polish Bishops’ Conference.