In Memoriam Thaddeus “Tad” Taube

We mourn the loss of Tad Taube (1931-2025), one of the world’s most inspirational and consequential advocates for the 1,000-year history and culture of Polish Jews. After fleeing Poland in 1939 at age 8, Tad was educated in the United States, where he became a successful businessman and visionary philanthropist. Tad always had a place in his heart for Poland and for upholding the dignity of Polish Jewish life, past and present. It was his commitment to Jewish Poland that made Tad both our leader and our partner. For nearly 25 years, Tad was an indispensable supporter of POLIN Museum, which grew from an idea into the magnificent institution it is today, drawing visitors from across Poland and around the world.

Tad contributed his wisdom when the museum was founded and, as a member of POLIN’s Museum Council, continued to do so as it continued to grow in size and stature. As one of POLIN Museum’s first Distinguished Benefactors, Tad donated generously to the Museum, which could never have come into existence without his selfless support. As members of the Board of American Friends of POLIN Museum, we worked closely with Tad, who was ceaseless in supporting our mission to secure the future of POLIN Museum. Without exception, Tad inspired each of us and countless others to contribute to the success of the Museum in any way we could.

Through his support of POLIN Museum and other organizations in Poland, Tad played a major role in nurturing the renewal of Jewish life in post-communist Poland. A renaissance of Jewish life, which many viewed as hopeless, struck a resonant chord in Tad. Today, the vibrant nature of Jewish life in Poland is a testament to Tad’s expansive vision, powerful optimism, Indefatigability and generosity. Tad’s legacy is multifold, and we are grateful for his unwavering commitment to keeping Polish Jewish history alive through POLIN Museum and also by shaping new Jewish institutions and Jewish life in Poland today. Through all of this, Tad has helped thousands of Jews worldwide to reconnect with their familial roots in Poland.

Although Tad’s life began at a time of loss, he did all he could to build life anew, and for that we are profoundly grateful. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Dianne, his children and his esteemed colleague Shana Penn, the Executive Director of Taube Philanthropies, who serves on our Board. Most important, it is in Tad’s memory that we are rededicating ourselves to our shared mission of supporting POLIN Museum, sustaining Jewish life in Poland and enabling Jews worldwide to find meaning by engaging with the history of Polish Jews.

We invite you to read Tad Taube’s full obituary on Legacy.com.