Hanka Sawicka Plaque

Could a plaque whisper secrets of resistance? Here at the Hanka Sawicka Plaque, it seems to do just that. This plaque commemorates Hanna Krystyna Szapiro, better known as Hanka Sawicka. She was a Polish communist of Jewish descent, a vital figure in the Polish underground resistance against the Nazis. The Hanka Sawicka Plaque stands as a testament to her bravery and unwavering commitment to freedom. Hanka Sawicka’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 25. Despite her youth, she played a significant role in the fight against oppression. She was involved in organizing aid for political prisoners and publishing underground publications. One of her earliest efforts was a publication titled “Wolność,” meaning “Freedom.” She worked with the youth group Spartakus and later co-led the communist publication “Biuletyn Radiowy,” disseminating news from Moscow. She tirelessly aided those trapped in the ghettos, a fate she and her father managed to avoid. She also established a Committee for Aid for Victims of Fascism. In 1943, Hanka became the editor of “Walka Młodych” (The Fight of the Youth). This paper later became associated with the Union of Youth Struggle, a group focused on disseminating anti-Nazi propaganda. Tragically, on March 18, 1943, a meeting with Gwardia Ludowa commanders led to a Gestapo ambush. Hanka Sawicka was wounded, arrested, and later died in Pawiak Prison. The Hanka Sawicka Plaque serves as a poignant reminder of her sacrifice. During the communist era in Poland, many streets bore her name, a testament to her perceived heroism. Although some of these streets have since been renamed, the Hanka Sawicka Plaque remains, a lasting tribute to her courage. As you stand before this plaque, consider the weight of her story. Remember her fight for freedom, her dedication to her cause, and her ultimate sacrifice. The Hanka Sawicka Plaque whispers a story of resistance. It is a story of courage, a story of a young life lost too soon in the fight for a better world.