HONORING COURAGE, MEMORY, AND DIALOGUE: THE 2026 MAREK EDELMAN AWARD

American Friends of POLIN Museum is proud to announce the 2026 Marek Edelman Award, established by two longtime supporters of POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews – Andrzej Rojek, Treasurer and Board Member of American Friends of POLIN Museum, and Tomek Ulatowski, a dedicated founding donor who has supported POLIN Museum and its mission for more than two decades. 

For many years, both philanthropists have played a vital role in sustaining and advancing POLIN Museum’s educational, cultural, and public programs, helping to preserve and promote the history and legacy of Polish Jews.

The Marek Edelman Award, organized by the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to combating antisemitism and building a society grounded in respect, responsibility, and civic courage. Named after Marek Edelman, a leader of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and lifelong advocate for human rights, the award reflects the enduring importance of moral leadership and social responsibility.

On May 14, 2026, the annual Marek Edelman Award was presented to Zuzanna Radzik during a ceremony held at POLIN Museum in Warsaw. Radzik is a theologian, writer, educator, and social activist widely respected for her work in Christian-Jewish dialogue, human rights education, and confronting antisemitism in contemporary Poland. The award recognizes her consistent efforts to build intercultural understanding and her courageous engagement with difficult questions of memory, responsibility, exclusion, and prejudice. Through her public voice and educational work, Radzik has become one of the leading advocates for dialogue and empathy in the Polish public sphere today.

Last year’s laureate was Prof. Michał Bilewicz, a leading social psychologist at the University of Warsaw and Chair of the Program Council of the Forum for Dialogue Foundation. His groundbreaking research on prejudice, collective memory, trauma, and reconciliation has significantly shaped contemporary understanding of antisemitism and social polarization in Poland and beyond.

The Association of Jewish Veterans and Victims of World War II awarded the “Warsaw Ghetto Uprising” Honorary Medal to several individuals during the ceremony. The Medal recognizes individuals actively preserving the memory of Polish Jewish history and promoting openness, solidarity, and intercultural understanding.

Tomek Ulatowski, POLIN Museum Distinguished Benefactor: “My decision to co-fund the Marek Edelman Award comes from a deep personal conviction that antisemitism and prejudice can never be ignored or normalized. In Poland, these issues are often rooted in difficult historical experiences and unresolved memory, which makes supporting education, dialogue, and moral courage especially important. Through this Award, I hope to honor individuals who are willing to confront intolerance and help build a more open and responsible society.”

Andrzej Rojek, POLIN Museum Benefactor and Treasurer of American Friends of POLIN Museum: “Antisemitism is not only a historical issue or a problem limited to one country – it is a global challenge that continues to threaten democratic societies around the world. In many countries, public leaders, institutions, and civic organizations are openly confronting antisemitism and recognizing the importance of education and moral responsibility in combating hatred and prejudice. Through the Marek Edelman Award, we hope to support individuals who help bring these values into public dialogue in Poland and who have the courage to stand against intolerance, exclusion, and antisemitism. POLIN Museum and the Association must lead the charge by educating, explaining, advocating, and emphasizing the horrendous danger of spreading antisemitism.”

Photo credit: M. Starowieyska/ POLIN Museum.