The appointment of the new board member resulted from a need to find a worthy replacement for Jan Jagielski who passed away in February this year.
Prof. Stola is an outstanding historian dealing with the history of Polish-Jewish relations, the communist regime in Poland and international migrations in the 20th century. In the years 2014-2019 he was the director of the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
Prof. Stola about the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland:
The AJHI has great merits in the research on the Polish-Jewish history and preserving Jewish heritage in Poland. I would like it to fulfill this important role in the best possible way. I am happy that I will be able to help in this process, serving with my knowledge and experience derived from my academic work and the work at the POLIN Museum.
Prof. Stola about Jan Jagielski:
When the POLIN Award jury discussed who should be awarded in 2016, Jan Jagielski’s candidacy was a challenge – not because anyone had doubts about his merits, rather we knew how great they were. He was a man-institution, a role model of perseverance, diligence, and persistence and, at the same time, a modest man with a sense of humor. His passing away is a great loss.
We are happy that the Association’s Board gained such a valuable new member and we congratulate Prof. Stola on his new position!