Seventy-three marks the year when the Janusz Korchak Association was established here in Israel. Janusz Korchak’s legacy resonates far beyond the borders of Poland. This association in Tel Aviv ensures his teachings live on.
Janusz Korczak was more than a doctor and author. He was a champion of children’s rights. Born Henryk Goldsmit in Warsaw in 1878, he later adopted the pseudonym Janusz Korczak. He dedicated his life to disadvantaged youth. His passion led him to establish Dom Sierot, a Jewish orphanage in 1912.
Dom Sierot wasn’t just a place to live. It was a progressive educational experiment. Korczak believed children should shape their own world. They became experts in their own lives. Imagine children aged seven to fourteen. They lived at Dom Sierot and attended Polish public schools. They also attended government-sponsored Jewish schools. In 1921, the orphanage opened a summer camp. It operated until 1940, offering a haven for children.
Korczak’s influence extended beyond the orphanage. He worked at a Polish radio station. He served as an expert witness in court for minors. He became a well-known figure, receiving many awards.
The rise of anti-Semitism in the 1930s restricted his activities. Yet, it strengthened his resolve to help Jewish children. In 1934 and 1936, Janusz Korczak visited Palestine. He was deeply influenced by the kibbutz movement. These visits convinced him that all Jews should move to Palestine.
When the Germans occupied Poland in 1939. The Warsaw ghetto was established in 1940. The orphanage was moved inside. Korczak received offers to escape the ghetto. He refused to abandon his children.
The tragic climax of Janusz Korczak’s life came on August 5, 1942. He joined nearly 200 children and staff members. They were deported to Treblinka. All were murdered.
Today, the Janusz Korchak Association continues his work. It promotes his educational theories. The association is located on Arlosorov Street. It keeps Korczak’s spirit alive in Tel Aviv. It ensures his dedication to children is never forgotten. The association can be reached at (972) 3-522-8696. The fax number is (972) 3-523-1480. Remember Janusz Korczak’s unwavering commitment to children. His legacy inspires us to create a better world for them.