In the Polish capital, a solemn commemoration took place as wreaths and flowers were laid at the Monument to the Heroes to mark the 82nd anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. This event, which occurred during World War II in 1943, stands as the largest armed Jewish uprising of the era. On April 19 of that year, a group of young men, led by Mordechai Anielewicz, bravely resisted Nazi troops attempting to deport the ghetto’s inhabitants to concentration camps.
The daffodil has emerged as a poignant symbol of remembrance for this significant historical event. The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews plays a crucial role in organizing commemorative activities, including the Daffodil Campaign, which highlights the courage and sacrifice of the uprising’s participants. The campaign underscores the importance of remembering not only the armed fighters but also those who resisted through civil means, hiding and supporting the uprising from behind the scenes.
The museum also honors Marek Edelman, the last surviving leader of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, who became a prominent figure in Poland for his dedication to preserving Jewish memory and fighting for social justice. Edelman, who passed away in 2009, was known for receiving anonymous bouquets of yellow daffodils each year on the uprising’s anniversary, which he would place at the monument in Warsaw’s Muranów district.
Since 2013, the POLIN Museum’s volunteers have distributed paper yellow daffodils to Warsaw residents, encouraging them to wear the flowers as a tribute to those who fought and resisted during the uprising. This gesture has grown beyond local boundaries, reaching over 30 countries worldwide, with daffodils being shared from Buenos Aires to Melbourne.
The campaign has gained significant momentum, with over 15,000 volunteers participating and distributing more than two million yellow flowers. It has also garnered the involvement of over 6,000 schools, libraries, and institutions across Poland, emphasizing the importance of empathy, help, and openness to prevent history’s darkest moments from repeating.
Through these efforts, the Daffodil Campaign not only commemorates the past but also fosters a deeper understanding of the values of solidarity and compassion, ensuring that the legacy of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising continues to resonate with future generations.
