In Ciepielów, a monument was unveiled to honor the residents who sheltered Jews during the Second World War. The ceremony was attended by President Andrzej Duda and Karol Nawrocki, the head of the Institute of National Remembrance. Duda spoke with a mix of reverence and resolve, saying the monument should stand not only as a tribute to those remembered but also as a warning to the world. He urged visitors to approach the monument with attention, to witness the scene it depicts, and to carry a clear message that such atrocities must never be repeated.
The monument in Ciepielów is dedicated to the Kowalski, Obuchiewicz, Kosior, and Skoczylas families, totaling 30 people, among them 19 children. These individuals were killed by German forces on December 6, 1942 for offering shelter to Jews. The dedication marks a somber chapter of local history and a testament to courage in the face of brutal occupation.
In addressing the audience, the president highlighted the unwavering spirit shown by those who kept faith with their neighbors and with humanity. He spoke of solidarity, brotherhood, and the duty to stand with the persecuted, describing the monument as a symbol of heroism forged in the flames of the Nazi era and a lasting reminder of what it cost to act in defense of others.
The head of state acknowledged that sheltering Jews required extraordinary bravery. He noted that many understood the danger that came with offering sanctuary, and the grim consequences that could follow those who helped. Yet the will to do what was right endured, even under the most daunting pressure.
He went on to say that Jews have long contributed to the strength and uplift of the Polish Commonwealth from its earliest days. By applying their talents to the common good, they helped build the Grand Republic and earned the respect of their fellow citizens. The president thanked the heirs of those memorialized for their part in preserving human dignity and for helping to enshrine these memories in stone and story.
Today, many voices try to rewrite or soften history. The president cautioned against minimizing the crimes of the Nazi era and emphasized that the monument serves as a robust reminder that such hatred and violence were perpetrated by the German occupation. He urged visitors to reflect on the lives of those who protected others and to stand firm against narratives that seek to excuse or erase this history.
The president concluded by addressing the people of Ciepielów, recognizing their courage and the enduring responsibility to remember. He called the monument a beacon of dignity and brotherhood, a place to teach younger generations about the cost of moral action and the importance of standing with those in need. The message echoed through the gathering: memory is not passive; it is a call to action for today and tomorrow.
In the spirit of remembrance, the ceremony underscored that the acts of shelter and solidarity performed in Ciepielów were part of a larger history of courage across Poland during the war. The monument stands as a quiet, steadfast witness to those who risked everything to save others, and it invites all who visit to consider the lessons of compassion, responsibility, and the enduring fight against hatred.