National Day of Remembrance of Poles who rescued Jews

On 24 March, the National Day of Remembrance of Poles who rescued Jews under German occupation is observed. Established in 2018, the holiday aims to commemorate those who, during World War II, often at the risk of their own lives, helped their Jewish fellow citizens. The date refers to the tragic events of 24 March 1944, when in Markowa the German occupiers—following a denunciation—murdered the Ulma family along with the Jews they were hiding.

On this occasion, commemorative events were organized at the Museum and Memorial Site in Bełżec. The event began with a guided tour of the former extermination camp grounds and the museum exhibition, allowing participants to better understand the history of the site and the realities of occupation.

This was followed by historical presentations highlighting the fate of residents of the Tomaszów County who provided assistance to Jews during World War II. Participants also attended a lecture dedicated to the Ulma family, presenting their courage, sacrifice, and tragic fate.

A rear view of the hall showing the audience and a female speaker dressed in black. On the screen, a slide about the Ulma family is displayed, including an archival photograph.

The event was complemented by the exhibition titled “Could They Be Helped in Their Isolation? Rescuing Jews in Occupied Poland,” which presented the realities of the Holocaust—from the German invasion in 1939 to the end of the war. The display illustrated both the dramatic choices made under occupation and the individual stories of those who rescued and were rescued.

The entire gathering provided an important opportunity for reflection and for paying tribute to those who demonstrated extraordinary courage and humanity in the face of immense danger.

A row of dark exhibition panels arranged in a modern interior with raw concrete walls. In the foreground is a panel featuring a large inscription in Polish and English: “Could They Be Helped in Their Isolation? Rescuing Jews in Occupied Poland.” The following panels display archival photographs, biographical notes, and historical descriptions.