On Itzak Schwarzbart in Yad Vashem Studies, Volume XXVI

The Polish Historian on the Struggle and Failure of Dr. Itzhak Schwartzbart: Dariusz Stola, Nadzieja i Zaglada: Ignacy Schwarzbart - zydowski przedstawiciel w Radzie Narodowej RP 1940-1945

Krakowski reviews the work of a young Polish historian who presents a detailed picture of the character and work of Dr Izchak Schwarzbart, one of Polish Jewry’s most outstanding interwar leaders, Zionist deputy in the Sejm and Jewish representative in the Polish National Council-in-exile. The book faithfully depicts Schwarzbart’s handling of his role in the Council, and particularly the tasks that he set himself – dissemination of data concerning the mass murders in Poland; fundraising on behalf of the Jewish underground, and strengthening understanding between Poles and Jews with the aim of obtaining from the Polish government-in-exile a condemnation of antisemitism and official recognition of Jews as citizens with equal rights. The missions largely failed, but they underscore Schwarzbart’s extraordinary personality and the importance of research in this field.