For many years now I have been inspired by this saying which had been scribbled on the Berlin Wall when it still stood: “Many small people, who in many small places do many small things, can alter the face of the world.”
And during this trip I have seen many examples of how these words have been put into action. Over the last week or so I have been in Lublin, a beautiful city of about 350,000 about two hours southeast of Warsaw. It has a castle and extended pedestrian zone throughout its Old Town, worth a “Google” if not a visit. As of March 28, mask mandates have been lifted throughout Poland.
The first connection I made here through mutual friends was with a young man, Lukasz/Luke, who has been involved with helping Ukraine since 2014, when Russia took over eastern parts of the country, resulting a a World War I-type of entrenched stand-off with many deaths and refugees. He has given me a lot of insights.
While I cannot speak to all he has done, I do know that he and his colleagues have delivered both military and humanitarian aid (probably tons) to Ukraine, either dropping off supplies at the border or driving to Lviv and further destinations. They have also helped Ukrainians escape. How much he has been able to rest since Feb. 24 is anyone’s guess.
Some of the funds I was given before I left have gone toward a shipment of medical supplies. Once they arrive later this week, I am to travel to the border with him, as he really wants to show me how the operation works.
Several days ago, I connected with a cab driver, again through mutual connections. I have hired him, because I discovered it would be very helpful to not have to rely on others to get around. He told me this story – when the first wave of Ukrainians came to Poland, many ended up at the train station in Lublin, often with just an address of someone who had offered housing and no idea where that might be. He would take them there without charge. He even stopped another cab driver from charging the Ukrainians he picked up, paying the guy from his own pocket. He is a very reliable driver working hard to make ends meet – “many small people.”
Walking through the Old Town, I came across two establishments who were doing “small things.” An art gallery was offering up the sale of all art that day to help Ukrainian artists. Barbara Telejko, who had an exhibit of her beautiful work hanging there, and her husband showed me around. If I were not traveling with just a suitcase I would have bought a piece; instead I shared some of the funds I had brought.
Around lunch another day I spotted a hand-written sign in front of the Rosmaryn restaurant inviting Ukrainians to a free lunch of soup. In speaking with the owner, I learned he has had a regular clientele of primarily women and children, 30 to 40 per day; a dozen or so walked in as we were talking. He does this out of his own pocket, despite the fact that COVID hit him hard. He was grateful for the donation.
To illustrate how we are all connected, I shared this story with someone back home. Word traveled and JCVIS decided to raise funds for Rosmaryn at its spring dinner. “Many small people,” indeed.
There were quite a few Ukrainians at the hotel, Mercure, where I stayed. The hotel has dedicated one room for children’s activities and does special programs. Not all Ukrainians who left are in dire straits. Of course, all have suffered loss of home and all that entails, but some came with enough funds to be able to wait out further developments in relative comfort. I spoke to a couple; they have hopes of returning.
Hotels throughout Poland are offering free room and board for those who cannot pay. I know of two; they have obtained or are looking for financial support. Along with several other “small people,” I have somehow gotten involved in trying to find some organization which may help. One location near Warsaw has given up 40 rooms along with board and use of facilities. Per-day costs are over $3,000.
I came back to Kaniwola and have spoken to the Ukrainian women I have met. I proposed to them that they come up with a list of items that would help improve their situation; with that we will go shopping, using more donated funds. I have also been talking to local “gmina” representatives to find ways to support the refugees over time. Here, I have also “purchased” an old diesel car which will be taken to Ukraine. Gas there is hard to come by, I’m told, but diesel can even be siphoned out of a broken-down tank. And transport is much needed.
Ilona Kwiecien Is a Jaffrey resident whose parents were Polish refugees after World War II. Her last Army assignment before retiring in 1998 was as Army attaché in Kyiv for 2 1/2 years.