He met with Donald Tusk. He declared that he wants to be Polish
Victor Ambros, a molecular biologist of Polish descent, is considering obtaining Polish citizenship as a tribute to his family and heritage.
On March 9, Victor Ambros, an American molecular biologist of Polish descent, met with Donald Tusk to discuss his desire to acquire Polish citizenship. Ambros's father was a Polish national who suffered deportation as forced labor during World War II. The meeting highlights Ambros’ intention not just for personal identity but as a recognition and honor for his family's struggles and sacrifices throughout turbulent times in Poland’s history.
Ambros, a 2024 Nobel Prize laureate in medicine, expressed in an interview with PAP that becoming a Polish citizen would pay tribute to his father, aunt, and all those who fought and survived during horrific chapters of the past. He emphasized that it would be a significant gesture of respect and remembrance for their sacrifices, allowing him to connect with his roots and acknowledge the history that has shaped his existence.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Ambros mentioned that he found his only link to Poland through his father, pointing out the broader challenges faced by Polish immigrants in the United States during the 1950s. He noted that many immigrants at the time did not pass their native language to their children, leading to a disconnection from their ancestral culture. This testimony resonates with many descendant immigrants who grapple with their identity and heritage in the face of assimilation.