Polish History Museum polski

SPIRIT OF JAN KARSKI AWARD

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. We recognize those who have distinguished themselves by defending human rights and dignity, by speaking out against racism, and who guard ethnic and religious groups and sovereign nations to build an open and tolerant society.

Previous honorees for the Spirit of Jan Karski Award include:

2021: Maria Kalesnikava, an imprisoned Belarusian opposition leader, member of the Presidium of the Coordination Council and musician for her prominent role in organizing peaceful protests against the violation of human rights and political freedoms by the Belarusian dictatorship.

2019: Peter F. Krogh, Georgetown University’s distinguished Professor Emeritus and former Dean of the School of Foreign Service, as well as friend, boss and mentee of Jan Karski.

2016: Nicholas Kristof, The New York Times columnist and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner, for his unflagging efforts to draw public attention to humanitarian issues around the world through his passionate reporting and powerful writing.

2014: U.S. Senator John McCain – for his courageous leadership and willingness to speak truth to power about international acts of aggression.

2013: Samantha Power, US Permanent Representative to the United Nations – for exemplary work in advancing the issue of genocide prevention. 

2012: Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka, former Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York – for pioneering work in promoting improved relations between the Polish Catholic and Jewish communities worldwide.