Alex Dancyg
22 July 2024
Yad Vashem mourns the loss of our dear colleague Alex Dancyg, Z"L, who was taken hostage on October 7th, a dedicated and loyal partner in the mission to support and spread meaningful Holocaust remembrance and education both here in Israel and around the world. Alex Dancyg was killed while being held in captivity in the Gaza Strip by Hamas terrorists.
Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan expressed:
"Today, we deeply grieve the loss of our cherished and esteemed colleague, Alex Dancyg. Just yesterday, we marked Alex's 76th birthday, filled with the hope that he would soon return to us alive and well. Alex's essence embodied both in spirit and substance, his love for the land and thirst for knowledge. His vast library at his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz reflected his deep connection between his cherished Israeli and Jewish identity and his Polish birthplace. Alex successfully integrated these perspectives into his teaching of the events of World War II in general, and of the Holocaust in particular. The news of his tragic death strengthens our commitment to ensure that Alex's legacy and the stories he passionately preserved are never forgotten."
Alex was born in 1948 in Warsaw, Poland, to Holocaust survivor parents. In 1957, he immigrated to Israel with his family and later made his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz.
After returning to Poland for the first time in three decades, Alex's passion for Holocaust history and education grew. In 1990, Alex began working with Yad Vashem, where he continued his dedication to Holocaust education.
Alex worked together with Yad Vashem as a true partner in creating and leading training courses for guides of Israeli youth trips to Poland and in Holocaust education in Poland for educators and clergy, including many Jewish participants. Alex was a remarkably multifaceted individual, well versed in Polish culture and Judaism, and the complex historical relationship between the Polish and Jewish people. He was a model family man and a proud tiller of our land.
Alex's passion and contributions to Holocaust education left an indelible mark on our collective understanding of this dark chapter in history.
Yad Vashem has been in contact with the Dancyg family during this difficult time and shares in their profound grief.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Alex’s family, including his beloved elder sister, four children and many grandchildren," concludes Dayan.
