We all know the wise and beautiful words of the Talmud: "He who saves one life saves the whole world." Today, we are filled with gratitude to all those who, in times of the Holocaust, took the risk of saving a human being even though the price might have been their own lives and the lives of their loved ones. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the "Żegota" Council to Aid Jews. It was the first and only institutional form of helping Jews during World War II. This unique activity was undertaken by peoplewho, in the face of totalitarianism and genocide, had the courage to defend human dignity, to help the victims, or to stand up for the truth. Their example is an extremely important point of reference for us. Therefore, I warmly congratulate those who received state decorations awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland and from the bottom of my heart I thank everyone who, in such a difficult time, proved that regardless of the circumstances and adversities, it is always worth being human.

It is in such special moments that we strongly realize that dignity and humanity, openness and tolerance, justice and peace should be the foundation of our existence. The history of "Zegota" and the extraordinary attitude of the people who created it are the source of this extremely important and timeless message.

Marek Kuchciński