Jakub Łysiak Honored Among the “50 Friends of Ukraine”
On May 23, 2026 during the BE BRAVE LIKE UKRAINE Forum 2026 in Warsaw, Jakub Lysiak, was recognized as one of the laureates of the “Strength of Solidarity: 50 Friends of Ukraine” initiative.
The project honors individuals whose actions, solidarity, and commitment have made an exceptional contribution to supporting Ukraine and strengthening Polish-Ukrainian relations.
The list brings together people from many walks of life: volunteers, journalists, educators, diplomats, entrepreneurs, artists, and social activists, united by a belief that solidarity is not merely a sentiment, but a responsibility.
The laureates were selected by a distinguished jury that included Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, former Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Andriy Deshchytsia, singer and social activist Ruslana, and Natalia Panchenko, initiator of the list and President of the Stand With Ukraine Foundation.
Among those recognized were:
former President of Poland Aleksander Kwaśniewski,
Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski,
Member of the European Parliament Michał Szczerba,
former president of Warsaw Marcin Święcicki,
filmmaker Agnieszka Holland,
and former United States Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski.
“It is an honor to be included among such distinguished individuals,” Łysiak said following the ceremony. “But what makes this recognition particularly meaningful is sharing it with people whose work is often carried out far from public attention -people who devote their time, energy, and resources to helping others simply because they believe it is the right thing to do.”
Supporting Ukraine Since the First Days of the War
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Jakub has been involved in humanitarian and refugee assistance efforts.
In the first weeks of the war, he helped organize the evacuation from the border crossings of more than one thousand people fleeing Ukraine to Poland. Together with numerous partners, volunteers, and institutions, he assisted refugee families in finding housing, adapting to life in a new country, and accessing essential support.
At the same time, humanitarian aid missions to Ukraine became a major focus of his work. Under the auspices of the Taube Center for Jewish Life & Learning Foundation and later the Eleventh Commandment Foundation, dozens of deliveries of medicine, food, clothing, generators, and other critical supplies were organized for communities affected by the war.
Over the past four years, these efforts have grown into more than fifty humanitarian missions to Ukraine, including numerous trips to regions close to the front line. Aid has reached civilians, hospitals, emergency responders, and Ukrainian soldiers defending their country.
Most recently, in cooperation with Polish and Ukrainian partners, more than 130 pallets of medical supplies were delivered to Ukraine, helping hospitals and medical facilities continue their work under extraordinarily difficult conditions.
A Recognition Shared With Many Others
For Łysiak, the award is less a personal achievement than a reminder of how many people have contributed to these efforts.
“None of this would have been possible without the support, trust, and generosity of countless individuals and institutions,” he said. “Volunteers, donors, foundations, partner organizations, friends, colleagues, and members of local communities have all made these efforts possible. Any recognition I receive belongs equally to them.”
He also emphasized that many people who have devoted themselves to supporting Ukraine never receive public recognition for their work.
“Every person who has opened their home to a refugee, delivered supplies, donated funds, volunteered their time, or simply refused to look away deserves our gratitude. Awards can recognize only a few names, but the community of people helping Ukraine is far larger.”
Not Being Indifferent
This recognition follows the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Medal, awarded to him in 2025 for his support of Ukrainian refugees in Poland and his ongoing humanitarian work in Ukraine – an honor reserved for those who promote dialogue and stand against antisemitism, xenophobia, and nationalism.
While the two honors arise from different contexts, they are connected by a common principle: the belief that the lessons of history carry obligations in the present.
For the Eleventh Commandment Foundation, whose mission is inspired by the words of Holocaust survivor Marian Turski – “Thou shalt not be indifferent” – supporting those facing war, persecution, and displacement is not separate from preserving historical memory. It is one of the ways that memory is put into action.
The war in Ukraine continues. So does the suffering it causes. Yet so too does the work of thousands of people who refuse to remain indifferent.
This recognition is a reminder not only of what has been accomplished, but of the responsibility that remains.
Support Our Work
The war in Ukraine continues. So does the suffering it causes. Yet so too does the work of thousands of people who refuse to remain indifferent.
This recognition is a reminder not only of what has been accomplished, but of the responsibility that remains. The Eleventh Commandment Foundation continues to support humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine and assist Ukrainian refugees rebuilding their lives in Poland. Those wishing to help can support this work through a tax-deductible donation via our U.S. 501(c)(3) charitable partner.
Thou shalt not be indifferent.
https://sestry.eu/pl/artykuly/sila-solidarnosci-kto-znalazl-sie-w-gronie-50-przyjaciol-ukrainy
https://sestry.eu/statti/sila-solidarnosti-hto-otrimav-vidznaku-50-druziv-ukrayini
