Edward Ochab

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. A political opportunist 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 (1907-1996), stemmed from a Hasidic family of Oshpitzin (Oświęcim), residing in Israel, with whom the couple maintained correspondence.

"Ochab" Villa
In the old city of Warsaw, near so called Warsaw Castle(PRL name)/Royal Castle(current name), there is a special purpose built Villa, mostly covered by trees nowadays(from Vistula bank view). Located at Rajców 10/Wójtowska, Warsaw it was built in the 1960s for then First Secretary Ochab. However Ochab probably never lived here and don't accepted the building. The reason was probably double political - in 1968 he withdrew from politics, some sources say that mainly because of the communist party anti Jewish campaign of March 1968. Other sources cites also problems during 1968 Polish political crisis(when mass students protests against government boiled whole country, following other movements and protests of 1968 in the World, especially Europe), which was with his direct family. According to this sources his daughter was found on one of the students protests and pulled out by special forces or militia. In result(which was probably combinations of all of the strikes, anti-Jewish tries of achieving higher career by lower communist party official, and general strikes in country) he had nothing more to do as to accept honorary exit out, and probably living there earlier or later may look for him as remind of lost career or taking a risk of tries to get this Villa by current officials on top.