Professor Dariusz Stola about Mariana Turski: Wisdom combined with incredible modesty

Professor Dariusz Stola, historian and former director of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, recalled in “Facts after Facts” on TVN24 Marian Turski's deceased – Historian, journalist and one of the survivors from Auschwitz.

– Mr. Marian was a wise man. It was such a wisdom that flows from a very long life, from many experiences, including dramatic, terrible experiences, combined with the ability to analyze and very many readings. He was a man who swallowed unusual amounts of books and remembered a lot – he said.

– And this very long life with the ability to look at such a penetrating view made it one of the smartest people I had a chance to meet – he added.

He emphasized that Turski “was widely respected and for a reason.” “And he combined this wisdom with incredible modesty,” he said.

– I do not know if there is a second person in Poland who received letters with congratulations from the President of the United States, the President of Germany and the President of Israel in one day in Poland. I don't think anyone is like that – Stola said.

He also described the historian as a witty man and excellent memory.

– He remembered a lot of details, lots of reading and could quote different things. (…) A few weeks ago in Oświęcim during the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the camp he quoted such a Hebrew song – and it seems to me that this is his message – that life is like a footbridge, like a bridge shifted over the abyss and most importantly, it is not to be afraid – emphasized the former director of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.