2024-08-26 15:16 update: 2024-08-26, 15:22
Photo: PAP/Albert Zawada
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has given his condolences to those taking part in the funeral of a Polish-Israeli citizen on Sunday, who died after being held hostage by Hamas since the attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Alex Danzig, 75, was an Israeli historian with Polish citizenship, who in the course of his life promoted Polish-Jewish dialogue.
He was kidnapped by Hamas during the attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023 and remained in captivity for several months, before the Israeli military reported his death in July, 2024.
"In this extremely difficult moment, I unite with the Relatives and Friends of the Deceased, and at the same time would like to express my deepest compassion for you," Duda wrote in a statement published by the President’s office on Sunday.
About Danzig himself, Duda said that he "always served peace, dialogue, cooperation and the reconciliation of nations."
"He fell victim to values contrary to what he preached: hate, aggression, terror and violence."
"Born in Warsaw and living in Israel for most of his life, he carried both his homelands in his heart. As a historian, educator and social activist, he was an advocate for good Polish-Israeli relations."
He added that "the efforts for his release made by the Polish authorities unfortunately have not been successful."
"He has, however, left a message that I trust will find many worthy and faithful followers," Duda said. (PAP)
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