The Katyn Massacre, a tragic event during World War II, involved the mass execution of thousands of Polish military officers, intelligentsia, and other prominent figures by the Soviet secret police, the NKVD, in 1940. The victims were captured following the Soviet invasion of Poland in 1939 and were held in various prisoner-of-war camps. In April and May 1940, they were systematically executed and buried in mass graves in the Katyn forest near Smolensk, Russia, as well as in other locations.
What many people don’t realize is that among the victims of the Katyn Massacre were also those who were of Polish-Jewish descent. Their stories, often overlooked or overshadowed by the broader tragedy, highlight the diverse backgrounds and identities of those affected by the atrocities of war.
Through discussion with Luc Albinski, founder of the Katyn Foundation and Families of Jewish Origins and Giora Bar-Nir, whose father was executed in Katyn, we seek to honour their memories and ensure that their stories are not forgotten.
The event will be led by CTHGC Director, Jakub Nowakowski, and will include a special message from the Polish Ambassador, H.E. Adam Burakowski.