# Marek Edelman

> (1919–2009) Jewish resistance member

**Wikidata**: [Q160817](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q160817)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marek_Edelman)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/marek-edelman

## Summary
Marek Edelman was a Polish Jewish resistance fighter, cardiologist, and political activist best known as one of the last surviving leaders of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising during World War II. He later became a prominent figure in Poland's democratic opposition, co-founding the Workers' Defence Committee (KOR) and supporting the Solidarity movement.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 1, 1919 (or 1922, sources vary), in Poland
- **Nationality**: Polish
- **Education**: Medical University of Łódź (later affiliated as a cardiologist)
- **Known for**: Leading the Jewish Combat Organization (ŻOB) in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising (1943) and his lifelong activism for human rights
- **Employer(s)**: Medical University of Łódź (affiliated institution)
- **Field(s)**: Medicine (cardiology), resistance movements, political activism

## Contributions
- **Warsaw Ghetto Uprising (1943)**: As a leader of the Jewish Combat Organization (ŻOB), Edelman played a key role in the armed resistance against Nazi forces during the uprising.
- **Post-war Medical Career**: Worked as a cardiologist, contributing to healthcare in Poland.
- **Political Activism**: Co-founded the Workers' Defence Committee (KOR) in 1976, a pivotal organization in Poland’s democratic opposition. Supported the Solidarity movement in the 1980s.
- **Honorary Recognition**: Received the Commander of the Legion of Honour (France), honorary doctorate from Jagiellonian University, and honorary citizenship of Łódź.

## FAQs
### **What was Marek Edelman’s role in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising?**
Marek Edelman was one of the last surviving leaders of the Jewish Combat Organization (ŻOB), which led the armed resistance against Nazi forces in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943.

### **What political movements was Marek Edelman involved in?**
He co-founded the Workers’ Defence Committee (KOR) in 1976 and supported the Solidarity movement, both of which were crucial in Poland’s transition from communism to democracy.

### **What awards did Marek Edelman receive?**
He was honored with the Commander of the Legion of Honour (France), an honorary doctorate from Jagiellonian University, and honorary citizenship of Łódź.

### **Where did Marek Edelman work as a cardiologist?**
He was affiliated with the Medical University of Łódź, a leading medical institution in Poland.

### **When did Marek Edelman pass away?**
He died on October 2, 2009.

## Why They Matter
Marek Edelman’s legacy spans resistance, medicine, and democracy. As a leader in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, he symbolized Jewish defiance against Nazi oppression. His post-war work in cardiology and political activism—particularly through KOR and Solidarity—helped shape Poland’s democratic transition. His honors reflect his enduring impact on human rights and Polish society.

## Notable For
- Last surviving leader of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising (1943)
- Co-founder of the Workers’ Defence Committee (KOR, 1976)
- Supporter of the Solidarity movement (1980s)
- Recipient of the Commander of the Legion of Honour (France)
- Honorary doctorate from Jagiellonian University
- Honorary citizen of Łódź
- Affiliation with the Medical University of Łódź as a cardiologist

## Body
### **Early Life and Resistance**
Marek Edelman was born in Poland in either 1919 or 1922 (sources vary). He became a key figure in the Jewish Combat Organization (ŻOB), leading resistance efforts during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943, one of the most significant acts of Jewish defiance against Nazi occupation.

### **Medical Career**
After World War II, Edelman pursued a career in medicine, specializing in cardiology. He was affiliated with the Medical University of Łódź, contributing to healthcare in post-war Poland.

### **Political Activism**
In 1976, Edelman co-founded the Workers’ Defence Committee (KOR), an underground organization that defended workers’ rights and opposed communist repression. He later supported the Solidarity movement, which played a decisive role in ending communist rule in Poland.

### **Honors and Legacy**
Edelman received numerous accolades, including France’s Commander of the Legion of Honour, an honorary doctorate from Jagiellonian University, and honorary citizenship of Łódź. His life symbolized resilience, from wartime resistance to post-war democracy advocacy.

### **Death and Remembrance**
Marek Edelman died on October 2, 2009. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage, medical dedication, and the fight for human rights in Poland and beyond.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.encyklopedia-solidarnosci.pl/wiki/index.php?title=Marek_Edelman)
2. [Source](http://polska.newsweek.pl/marek-edelman---biografia,46737,1,1.html)
3. Integrated Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. [Doktorzy honoris causa - Uniwersytet Jagielloński](https://www.uj.edu.pl/uniwersytet-z-collegium-medicum/nagrody-i-wyroznienia/dhc)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. [Source](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/politics-obituaries/6259900/Marek-Edelman.html)
9. Internetowy Polski Słownik Biograficzny
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. FactGrid
12. Sejm-Wielki.pl