Born in 1925 in the small Polish town of Żarki near Częstochowa, Eli Zborowski was not only a significant person in the Jewish community, but also a symbol of the bridge between Poland and Jews around the world.

The Zborowskis’ family home was located on Żwirki i Wigury Street.  Eli’s father, Moshe, earned his living as a leather merchant.  The peaceful life in Żarki ended when the Second World War broke out. In 1941, the Jews were confined to the ghetto in Częstochowa. Eli managed to escape and found shelter in two Polish families: first he lived with the Plaszeks and then with the Kołaczs.

When the war ended, Eli moved to the USA in 1952, where he started a new life in New York with his wife Diana. Not only was he a successful businessman, but he also became a key figure in Holocaust remembrance efforts. He became president of the International Society of Yad Vashem and was named vice-president of the World Federation of Polish Jews. In 1963, he initiated the first Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies in the United States, and in 1981 he founded an association to support the work of Yad Vashem. He met on many occasions with St John Paul II.

His influence also reached beyond US borders. In 1974, he established the first American Chair of Holocaust Studies at Yeshiva University. He was also appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the Holocaust Memorial Council and at the same time to the New York Holocaust Commission by Mayor Edward Koch.

Zborowski never forgot his hometown, Żarki. He received the title of Honorary Citizen and was actively involved in the life of the local community. His efforts led to the restoration of the Jewish cemetery in the town and the creation of the Jewish Cultural Route. In 2012, he was the guest of honour at the opening of the renovated cultural centre in Żarki and made a donation to the town on that occasion.

Eli Zborowski passed away on 10 September 2012 in New York. His legacy and impact on Polish-Jewish cooperation are invaluable.