Janusz Zarzycki, born Janusz Neugebauer in Pruszków in 1914, navigated a career spanning military service, architecture, and high-level political administration within the Polish People's Republic. His life trajectory moved from technical studies at the Warsaw University of Technology through wartime imprisonment in Nazi camps to significant leadership roles in the post-war governance of Poland's capital city.
Military Service and Wartime Internment
Zarzycki graduated from the Masovian School of Artillery Reserve Cadets in 1938 and served in the 1939 Defensive War with the 28th Heavy Artillery Divizion. Following his return to Warsaw in 1941, he joined the Union of Liberation Struggle and served as a staff officer in the People's Guard. His wartime activities culminated in arrest and internment within the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Buchenwald concentration camps, where he remained until 1945.
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Post-war, Zarzycki rose through the ranks of the Polish United Workers' Party, serving as a member of its Central Committee during multiple terms. He held critical administrative power as the chairman of the presidium of the Municipal National Council of the Capital City of Warsaw from 1956 to 1956 and again from 1960 to 1967. During this era, he also functioned as Deputy Minister of National Defense and presided over the Main Political Board of the Polish Army.
Humanitarian Recognition
In 1988, Yad Vashem awarded Zarzycki the title of Righteous Among the Nations. This recognition honored his 1942 efforts to assist Mosze Wasserman and Stanisław Sierpiński, two individuals who had escaped the Warsaw ghetto. Throughout his career, he held diverse positions including Director of the Institute of Urban Planning and Architecture and served in the Sejm of the Polish People's Republic for three terms.
Fast facts
- Born: 1914, Pruszków
- Died: 1995, Warsaw
- Education: Warsaw University of Technology
- Military Rank: Divisional General
- Burial Site: Powązki Military Cemetery
- Righteous Among the Nations: 1988
- Primary Political Affiliation: Polish United Workers' Party
- Major Decoration: Order of the Cross of Grunwald, 3rd class
Questions readers ask
What was Janusz Zarzycki's role in Warsaw's administration?
He served as the Head of the Presidium of the National Council of the Capital City of Warsaw during two distinct periods, from 1956 and again from 1960 to 1967.
Why was he recognized by Yad Vashem?
He received the Righteous Among the Nations award for providing selfless assistance in 1942 to two escapees from the ghetto, Mosze Wasserman and Stanisław Sierpiński.
Achievements
- Medal of the 10th Anniversary of People's Poland
- Order of the Cross of Grunwald, 3rd class
- Medal for Warsaw 1939-1945
- Bronze Medal "Armed Forces in the Service of the Homeland"
- Worked as military officer, architect and military personnel
- Educated at Warsaw University of Technology
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