A hidden history whispers from the Henryk Sławik és id. Antall József szobra Statue. It’s a story of courage and compassion during World War II’s darkest days. Here in Budapest, this bronze monument stands as a powerful tribute to two men who defied the Nazis. They saved thousands of Polish refugees, including many Jewish people. The Henryk Sławik és id. Antall József szobra Statue immortalizes the partnership between Henryk Sławik, a Polish politician and social worker, and József Antall Sr., a Hungarian government official.
The Henryk Sławik és id. Antall József szobra Statue was unveiled in 2017. It’s a relatively recent addition to Budapest’s landscape, but the story it tells reaches back to a time of immense crisis. As the Nazis tightened their grip on Europe, Poland became a dangerous place for many. Thousands fled, seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Hungary. Sławik, already known for his social work, dedicated himself to aiding these refugees. He found an ally in Antall Sr., who worked in the Hungarian ministry of internal affairs.
Together, they formed the Citizen’s Committee for Help for Polish Refugees. They provided essential support, finding jobs, establishing schools, and setting up orphanages. But their most daring act was yet to come. As anti-Semitic laws were enforced in Hungary, Polish Jews faced immense danger. Sławik and Antall Sr. began issuing false Polish passports. These documents identified Jewish refugees as Catholic, shielding them from persecution. This courageous act saved an estimated 5,000 Jewish lives. Sławik even established a secret orphanage for Jewish children, disguising it as a school for Polish officers’ children. The children received visits from Catholic Church authorities, adding another layer of protection.
Even after the Nazi occupation of Hungary in 1944, Sławik continued his work. He went underground, urging refugees to flee. He ensured that all the residents of the Jewish refugee camp he oversaw escaped before the Germans arrived. The children from the secret orphanage were also safely evacuated. Tragically, Sławik was captured and sent to the Gusen concentration camp. He was executed on August 23, 1944. His bravery and sacrifice saved countless lives. The Henryk Sławik és id. Antall József szobra Statue is not just a monument. It’s a testament to the power of human compassion in the face of unimaginable evil. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, individuals can make a profound difference.