Abstract

Abstract: In 2019, the Pilecki Institute launched the “Called by Name” program aimed at commemorating Poles who lost their lives for helping Jews during German occupation. In the course of three years, 30 commemorative events were held as part of the program, restoring the memory of 72 murdered Poles and some 150 Jews who were killed along with them. A group of over 300 relatives of the victims have connected as part of the initiative. Surveys were conducted among 91 participants, including only four eyewitnesses, with the use of a standardized form featuring both open- and closed-ended questions. The results of the survey were analyzed via the MAXQDA software designed for qualitative analysis. In light of the briefly presented research on those “Called by Name”, the program proves to be very valuable and important. One significant conclusion stemming from the analysis is the need for educating local communities. In several aspects, research shows varying approaches exhibited by next generations with regards to their own family history. Despite a relatively small research sample, we can observe a growing interest in the subject among the youngest generation. This interest is most likely not spontaneous, but could be inspired by the “Called by Name” initiative. For some families, the commemorative events held as part of the program have an extraordinary significance, as the relatives do not know the burial place of their loved ones. One woman writes straightforwardly: “We have no burial site of our grandparents and we really wish we had one. From now on, we will be able to light a candle by the commemorative plaque.” Another important aspect of the program is that it not only disseminates knowledge, but also integrates local communities around the commemorative events and the victims’ families.