Marek Stoszek

Leaders

At school, I was told that the history of my hometown Myślenice goes back to pagan times. The year 1342 was a key date, as it was when Polish king Casimir the Great granted the town its location privilege. Later the history meandered this way and that, up until the eve of World War II. Interestingly enough, my schoolteachers never really mentioned World War I, even though between November and December 1914 the front crossed through our area. I have always been lured to the unknown and that is why I decided to dwell on the topic. In the course of my research I learned that Myślenice area was once inhabited by some mysterious Jews, about whom local history keeps quiet as a grave. This was the moment that initiated what has been going ever since, leading to research and new discoveries pertaining to shared history of Poles and Jews on Myślenice soil. My family has lived in Myślenice for generations. Apart from my passion for history and especially Polish-Jewish relations, I am a social worker responsible for foster families in the region. I am also interested in politics, photography and sport. I have a wonderful family and a dog and a cat I consider to be extended members of the family.

To the best of my capabilities, I put forward initiatives that aim to educate the local population on historical and sociological aspects of Polish-Jewish relations, as well as on local history in general. I especially value my collaboration with the local University of the Third Age as a lecturer. I am constantly expanding and supplementing my knowledge through postgraduate study programs, conferences and seminars. I find the opportunity to share experience with others through the Forum for Leaders of Dialogue especially meaningful, as the platform allows me to meet people with similar interests, participate in dedicated workshop and exchange information. What I do gives me great satisfaction, although I must admit it is not always easy. However, more and more often I encounter fellow history buffs and then the shared road is easier to follow. I hope that my initiatives contribute to introducing the local community get to Myślenice’s Jewish past and help people realize that our shared history cannot be separated.

Activism

Using the limited time I have, I try to engage in various projects aiming to advocate and protect local history, as well as to foster intercultural exchange. Currently, with the assistance of municipal authorities of Wiśniowa and Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, I am trying to restore the only surviving wooden synagogue in Wiśniowa. Once the renovation works are complete in late 2018, the site will serve as the center for intercultural dialogue, as well as a venue for meetings, exhibition and lectures. This year, along with my friend Katarzyna Dominik I have completed the research and cataloguing for a book about the life and impressive activism of Kazimierz Kowalski, a social activist and great admirer of Dobczyce, a neighbor town of my hometown Myślenice.

I am hoping to have the book published this year. I am also very happy to contribute my efforts to Crux Galiciaiae, an association working to actively protect World War I memorial sites. As a member, I participate in the works of the international Visegrad Working Group for Military Cemeteries. In 2013, these efforts were recognized by Osterreichisches Schwarzes Kreuz, an Austrian organization dealing in World War I history in Europe. I received my order from the organization’s representatives in Beherov, Slovakia. I am always willing to advise and assist anyone interested in promoting local history and culture in any way.

Myślenice

contact information:
marek.stoszek@liderzydialogu.pl