Testimonial: Janusz Grzelak (1984-1990)

During the communist regime Poland was quite commonly named ‘the funniest barrack in the East European block.’ The regime in Poland showed a more humane face, severe violations of human rights were less frequent, and criticism of the socio-political system was more tolerated than in other communist countries. However, as a student in early sixties, I still did not have any access to Western literature except papers and books that were smuggled from the West by my professors. It goes without saying that from its start in the late 1960’s and throughout the years that the Association and its activities have been extremely important for Eastern and Central Europe. The Association opened for us a window to the West, to the world of science, to international contacts. Participation in the Association’s summer schools, meetings, conferences, and East-West meetings and an access to the Journal meant for us, East Europeans, much more than for those who could travel across Europe freely.

Speaking specifically for Poland it later went through another period of hard time: Martial law and the years thereafter. And again the Association helped the Poles in maintaining scientific contacts with the West. Moreover, many, very many Association members volunteered and lent a helping hand to those who were in need, providing them with essentials. We remember it and we greatly appreciate it.