Nagroda Orła Jana Karskiego) was established on 5 May 2000 by Polish professor Jan Karski (1914–2000), war courier of the Polish government in-exile, witness of the Holocaust and Righteous Among the Nations.
It is symbolized by the Eagle statuette, the project of which was approved by Jan Karski.
Its first chairman was Jacek Kuroń, who was the only one who was honored to get this award directly from Jan Karski's hands.
In handing over the award to Józef Tischner, Jan Karski participated via phone.
[1] The committee gives out the award yearly on June 24, on Jan Karski's birthday.