To instill in people - especially youth - the values of leadership, courage and integrity, as exemplified by the life of Jan Karski.
In the midst of World War II, Jan Karski was dispatched by the Polish Underground to inform Western Allies about the reign of terror in German Nazi-occupied Poland and to seek intervention. Karski’s courageous mission, against all odds in the darkest of hours, qualifies him as Humanity's Hero.
The Foundation grew out of the successful Jan Karski US Centennial Campaign, which placed Dr. Karski's name in nomination for the Presidential Medal of Freedom in December 2011. President Obama awarded the posthumous Medal on May 29, 2012 at a White House ceremony.
The Jan Karski Educational Foundation presents the Spirit of Jan Karski Award to individuals who through their actions have demonstrated the values represented by Jan Karski and have distinguished themselves by defending human rights, speaking out against aggression and on behalf of the integrity of ethnic and religious groups and sovereign nations.
The Jan Karski story presented at the 2023 Florida Council for the Social Studies Conference for the seventh time
JKEF has selected the recipients of the Foundation’s scholarship to the 2023 Georgetown Leadership Seminar.
Member of the Jan Karski Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors, Wojciech Pawłowski, recognized for his philanthropy with the honoris causa title.
The Jan Karski Educational Foundation welcomes a new member to the Advisory Board.
Kaya Mirecka Ploss, a Polish-American fashion designer, writer, humanitarian, and Jan Karski’s companion in his final years, has died at the age of 98.