Edward Ochab (1906–1989) was a Polish Communist politician promoted to the position of the First Secretary of the Communist party in the People's Republic of Poland between 20 March and 21 October 1956, just prior to the Gomułka thaw. Political coniuncturalist with a Stalinist past, Ochab was deputy chairman of the Polish Council of State 1961–1964 and as such one of four acting Chairmen of the Council of State from 7 to 12 August 1964. Ochab served as Chairman of the Council of State (head of state) in the years 1964-1968. He withdrew from politics in 1968 in the aftermath of the anti-Semitic campaign conducted by his own governing Polish United Workers' Party.
The wife of Edward Ochab, Rachel, stemmed from a Hasidic family of Oshpitzin (Oświęcim), residing in Israel, with whom the couple maintained correspondence.
Famous quotes containing the word edward:
“The boatswain’s mate was very sedate,
Yet fond of amusement, too;
And he played hopscotch with the starboard watch,
While the captain tickled the crew.”
—Charles Edward Carryl (1841–1920)