Source: Alon Goldman, Andrew Rajcher

It is with immense sorrow that we learned of the passing of the World Society’s great friend, Professor Dr. hab. Jerzy Mizgalski. Surrounded by his family, he died at home at 10pm on Tuesday, 6th May 2026.

Prof. Mizgalski was a true friend of the Jewish people and the Jewish community of Częstochowa, dedicating his life to preserving memory. Through his extensive activities and numerous publications regarding the history of the Jews of Częstochowa, he restored the voices of the past and ensured that the legacy of past generations would not be forgotten or disappear.

Between 1990 and 2022,, he held many senior positions at the Jan Długosz University of Częstochowa, including Deputy Director of the Institute of Philosophy and History, Deputy Dean for Student Affairs at the Faculty of Philology and History, and Vice-Rector for Teaching and Education. He was a renowned historian and political scientist. He was one of the initiators of the Polish-Jewish dialogue, co-organising the international meetings of Częstochowa Jews in the city.

For many years, Prof. Mizgalski was the Chairman of the Board of the Częstochowa City Museum, and due to his expertise and exceptional knowledge of the history of the city’s Jews, he was the curator of the exhibition of the Museum of Jewish History in Częstochowa. His commitment to preserving the Jewish heritage of a “No Longer Existing Community” went far beyond academic excellence and reflected a deep moral responsibility and human sensitivity.

Prof. Mizgalski was a man of rare integrity and nobility. In his activities and publications, he educated many generations of students at the Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, standing as a bridge between the past and the present, between memory and continuity. In his work, he inspired not only historians, but also all those who believe in the importance of memory, honor and historical truth.

At the recommendation of our World Society Vice-President Alon Goldman, in 2015, Prof. Mizgalski was recognised for his extensive activity in preserving Jewish heritage, when he was awarded the “Laurel Crown” decoration by the Israeli Ambassador to Poland in cooperation with the Polish Ministry of Culture.

We bid him farewell as an outstanding Polish researcher and historian, a dear and a true friend, in whose heart burned the fire for the perpetuation and preservation of the Jewish heritage of his and our city – Częstochowa.

Prof. Mizgalski is survived by his wife Krystyna, his children Marcin and Magdalena, their partners and his numerous grandchildren.

Jurek, we in the World Society will truly miss you. May your memory be a blessing to all who knew you.

Funeral details will shortly be announced by the family. We will publish them on the World Society’s Facebook page when available.