Presentation on Polish Orphans in Siberia Rescued by Japan
2026/2/23
On February 23, the Embassy of Japan in Canada, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Canada and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, hosted a presentation on Polish orphans in Siberia rescued by Japan by Mr. Paul Wojdak, author of “Escape from Siberia, Escape from Memory.” Approximately 60 people attended, including members of the diplomatic corps, members of the Parliament of Canada, representatives from the OJCA and OJCC, members of the local Polish community, members of the local Jewish community, and experts.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yamanouchi stated that the concept of human rights is a treasure of humanity born of the accumulation of time, and that the historical fact of Japan’s rescue of Polish orphans is also one such treasure for humanity. In addition, he also described the mutual friendship between Japan and Poland as follows: in 1920, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, which was asked by the Polish Relief Committee in Vladivostok, requested the Japanese Red Cross Society to provide relief for Polish orphans. In response, the Japanese Red Cross Society accepted 765 Polish orphans and assisted them in returning to their homeland. Poland has not forgotten this moment in history. Immediately after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, they invited children affected by the disaster to Poland and gave them a warm welcome. Furthermore, the Ambassador noted that while the timing differed, both Polish orphans and Jewish survivors who received “visas for life” issued by Mr. Chiune Sugihara had arrived in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, and introduced the “Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum” located in Tsuruga city that preserves these historical facts for future generations, as well as a message from the Mayor of Tsuruga, Mr. Koji Yonezawa.
Next, H.E. Witold Dzielski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Canada; Ms. Isha Khan, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights; the Honourable Krista Ross, Senator and Vice-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group; and Mr. Takehiko Wajima, Consul-General of Japan in Calgary each delivered remarks.
Following this, Mr. Paul Wojdak gave a presentation in which he explained how, after the passing of his father —a Polish orphan who had rarely spoken of his past —he gradually pieced together the details of his father’s life by tracing various records. After the presentation, Ms. Krystyna Kongiel Broszkowska was introduced by Mr. Paul Wojdak and took the stage. She spoke about her father, who was also a Polish orphan. This was followed by a question-and-answer session with Mr. Paul Wojdak, after which he presented his book to Ambassador Yamanouchi and others.
Finally, students from the De La Salle Public High School performed a piece by the Polish composer, Frédéric François Chopin.
At the reception that followed, Japanese dishes prepared by Chef Shima of the Embassy of Japan in Canada were served. The participants deepened their connections, making it a meaningful opportunity.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yamanouchi stated that the concept of human rights is a treasure of humanity born of the accumulation of time, and that the historical fact of Japan’s rescue of Polish orphans is also one such treasure for humanity. In addition, he also described the mutual friendship between Japan and Poland as follows: in 1920, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, which was asked by the Polish Relief Committee in Vladivostok, requested the Japanese Red Cross Society to provide relief for Polish orphans. In response, the Japanese Red Cross Society accepted 765 Polish orphans and assisted them in returning to their homeland. Poland has not forgotten this moment in history. Immediately after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, they invited children affected by the disaster to Poland and gave them a warm welcome. Furthermore, the Ambassador noted that while the timing differed, both Polish orphans and Jewish survivors who received “visas for life” issued by Mr. Chiune Sugihara had arrived in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, and introduced the “Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum” located in Tsuruga city that preserves these historical facts for future generations, as well as a message from the Mayor of Tsuruga, Mr. Koji Yonezawa.
Next, H.E. Witold Dzielski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Canada; Ms. Isha Khan, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights; the Honourable Krista Ross, Senator and Vice-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group; and Mr. Takehiko Wajima, Consul-General of Japan in Calgary each delivered remarks.
Following this, Mr. Paul Wojdak gave a presentation in which he explained how, after the passing of his father —a Polish orphan who had rarely spoken of his past —he gradually pieced together the details of his father’s life by tracing various records. After the presentation, Ms. Krystyna Kongiel Broszkowska was introduced by Mr. Paul Wojdak and took the stage. She spoke about her father, who was also a Polish orphan. This was followed by a question-and-answer session with Mr. Paul Wojdak, after which he presented his book to Ambassador Yamanouchi and others.
Finally, students from the De La Salle Public High School performed a piece by the Polish composer, Frédéric François Chopin.
At the reception that followed, Japanese dishes prepared by Chef Shima of the Embassy of Japan in Canada were served. The participants deepened their connections, making it a meaningful opportunity.
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| Ambassador Yamanouchi giving opening remarks |
Ambassador Dzielski giving remarks |
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| Ms. Khan giving remarks |
Senator Ross giving remarks |
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| Consul-General Wajima giving remarks |
Mr. Wojdak giving a presentation |
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| Ms. Broszkowska speaking about her father, who was an orphan |
Commemorative photo of Ambassador Yamanouchi and Mr. Wojdak |
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| A performance by students from the De La Salle Public High School |
Commemorative photo of Mr. Wojdak and related personnel |
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| Mr. Wojdak's book |