The funeral of the esteemed historian and journalist Marian Turski took place on February 18, 2023, at the Jewish Cemetery in Warsaw, attracting numerous dignitaries and mourners from various walks of life. Turski, who passed away at the age of 98, was not only renowned for his significant contributions to Polish journalism but also for his harrowing experiences as a Holocaust survivor. He was remembered as a man who dedicated his life to the remembrance of Polish Jews and the lessons learned from history.
Among those attending the funeral were prominent political figures, including Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of Germany, Rafał Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw, and Senate Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska. Their presence underscored Turski's impact on both Polish society and the broader European narrative surrounding the Holocaust and Jewish history.
Jerzy Baczyński, the editor-in-chief of Polityka, delivered heartfelt remarks about Turski, stating, "Mieliśmy szczęście, że byłeś częścią naszego życia" (We were lucky to have you as part of our lives). He emphasized Turski's role as not merely a journalist but as a mentor and authority to several generations of journalists and readers. Baczyński highlighted Turski's lifelong commitment to restoring the memory of Polish Jews, especially evident through his leadership at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, which he referred to as "Mariana dziełem życia i tego życia spełnieniem" (Marian's work of life and fulfillment of this life).
Reflecting on current global tensions, Baczyński shared Turski's warnings about the resurgence of hatred and violence, lamenting, "Marian, tak bardzo byłby potrzebny teraz twój głos, komentarz i ty" (Marian, your voice and commentary are greatly needed now). His call for vigilance against rising intolerance echoed Turski's own advocacy for empathy, urging society to remain alert to the dangers of indifference.
Rafał Trzaskowski also shared his memories, stating, "Opuścił nas jeden z ostatnich świadków Zagłady" (One of the last witnesses of the Holocaust has left us). He illustrated Turski's gentle nature, noting he spoke softly and slowly but conveyed messages with tremendous strength. Trzaskowski reflected on how every word Turski spoke had the power of impact, comparing it to the ringing of bells.
Attendees also heard from Klaudia Siczek, Turski's granddaughter, who recounted how impactful her grandfather was not only as a public figure but also within their family. She stated, "Był bardzo obecny w naszym życiu" (He was very present in our lives), expressing gratitude for having Turski as her grandfather. Her poignant words echoed with the affection and respect felt by those who knew him personally.
The mood at the funeral was one of reflection on Turski's extraordinary life. Having survived the horrors of Auschwitz and living to tell his story, he became something of a beacon for promoting dialogue and remembrance. Both political leaders and family members spoke strongly against the backdrop of Turski’s legacy, highlighting how he urged society to learn from the past.
Indeed, Turski was not solely rooted in mourning; his life was marked by action and activism. His work was instrumental not only at the POLIN Museum but also within several key organizations dedicated to remembering Jewish combatants and Holocaust survivors. Turski's legacy will influence future generations, with many vowing to continue advocating for truth and empathy as core societal values.
Following the funeral, memorial activities at POLIN Museum included discussions and screenings, aimed at fostering the same spirit of remembrance and resilience Turski embodied throughout his life. His passing marks not just the loss of one individual, but the fading voice of witness to history, urging all to embrace our shared humanity.