Today marks 82 years since the death of Janusz Korczak, a revered educator, paediatrician, and advocate for children’s rights, who perished along with 200 of his orphaned charges during the Holocaust.
On August 6, 1942, Korczak, his staff, and the children from his Warsaw orphanage were seized by Nazi German forces and forced on a harrowing journey to Treblinka extermination camp. Survivor testimonies, such as that of Isaiah Remba, recall the devastating scene: “These were the first Jewish ranks to go to death with dignity.” Crammed into sealed train carriages, Korczak and his beloved children were taken to one of the most infamous death camps near Małkinia.
A Lifelong Advocate for Children’s Education and Well-Being
Korczak’s entire life was a testament to his passion for children’s well-being and education. After obtaining his medical degree in 1905, he began working at the Children’s Hospital in Warsaw, where he served as both a physician and educator. Over seven years, he tirelessly advocated for pediatric care and shared his medical expertise widely. But Korczak’s dedication extended far beyond medicine—he was a committed teacher and author, determined to shape a better future for children.
In 1912, Korczak transitioned from his hospital role to become the director of the Orphans’ Home, managed by the “Aid for Orphans” Society. Partnering with his colleague Stefania Wilczyńska, he cared for 85 orphaned children, using the orphanage as a laboratory for his innovative educational theories. Under his leadership, the orphanage became a vibrant space for learning, cooperation, and self-expression, exemplified by the children’s creation of “Orphanage Weekly,” a newspaper written by the young residents themselves.
Janusz Korczak: A Legacy of Compassion and Resilience in the Face of Tragedy
Though the exact circumstances of Korczak’s final moments remain uncertain, many believe he died during the gruelling transport to Treblinka, unable to survive the harsh conditions due to his deteriorating health. As Professor Jacek Leociak of the Polish Academy of Sciences notes, “Korczak’s poor health may have prevented him from enduring the hardships of the journey,” possibly sparing him from the gas chambers.
Despite his tragic end, Janusz Korczak’s legacy as a champion of children’s dignity and rights lives on. His work and his unwavering moral example continue to inspire educators, humanitarians, and advocates for social justice worldwide. His life remains a profound reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable horror.