Today we dig into the story of Jan Karski, one of the forgotten heroes of World War II. We take a look at his life and his immense efforts to bring to light the German crimes against the Jews only to be dismissed repeatedly.

In this episode, we explore the harrowing experience of Polish civilians under Soviet occupation, as recounted by Stella Synowiec-Tobis. While the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, is widely recognized, fewer people are aware of the Soviet invasion on September 17, 1939, which brought immense suffering to millions of Poles. This was part of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and remains a lesser-known chapter of WWII. Many Poles experienced Soviet rule as harshly as Nazi occupation, with as many as 1.7 million deported to Siberia, where a quarter perished due to the severe conditions.

Stella’s story is a personal account of this tragic history. Orphaned young, she and her family fled in fear of Soviet capture, eventually hiding in barns and attics. In April 1940, they were discovered by the NKVD and forced into overcrowded boxcars bound for Siberia. The journey was brutal, with minimal food, water, and hygiene. In Siberia, Stella, only twelve, fought against constant starvation and illness, surviving on meager rations and enduring harsh winters. Her descriptions of gnawing hunger and extreme deprivation illustrate the hardship faced by Polish deportees.

The suffering intensified in Soviet labor camps where children, the elderly, and the weak struggled to survive. Stella’s niece Nina died of dysentery, highlighting the tragic loss endured by countless families. The 1941 agreement between the Polish government-in-exile and the Soviet Union enabled many deportees to join the Polish Armed Forces, leading Stella and her family on a perilous journey to freedom. Stella’s story, like those of other survivors, exemplifies resilience in the face of relentless adversity, capturing a critical yet often overlooked piece of Polish history.

In this episode, titled "Only in Poland", we explore the unique and brutal conditions Poland faced under German occupation in World War II, conditions that set Poland apart from other occupied countries.

Unlike others, Poland never officially surrendered, formed a collaborative government, or supported German forces. Instead, the Polish people established a vast underground resistance network, with a 650,000-member army that became the fourth-largest Allied force.

The German policies in Poland were exceptionally harsh. The Germans specifically targeted Polish intellectuals for extermination, conducted frequent street round-ups, and executed civilians publicly to instill fear. Warsaw was nearly destroyed, and 22.2% of Poland’s population perished, a greater loss than any other nation. Despite the death penalty for aiding Jews, the Polish underground, through the Żegota organization, risked everything to save Jewish lives. Thousands of Poles were killed for helping Jews, with many of their stories remaining unknown.

Reflecting on Poland's unique resistance and the brutal sacrifices made during this occupation prompts us to ask how we might respond under similar terror. Poland's heroic defiance against overwhelming odds remains a testament to courage and resilience, challenging us to honor these historical realities with a balanced perspective on their immense suffering and strength.

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