Anti-war protest in Warszawa
Several hundred people, mostly Ukrainian refugees, met in Old Town to protest Putin and Russia's aggression in Ukraine. This group was mostly women and children, as the men are home fighting and supporting the war effort. Chants of "stop killing children" could be heard as the group made its way around the square. It was a moving experience to say the least.
The number of refugees that have made their way to Poland is approaching 2 million people (about the population of Nebraska) (source). We have been here 3 weeks now to help my family leave Ukraine and to get situated in Poland. Since we brought them to Warszawa, from the refugee camp at the border, we have experienced an abundance of kindness and generosity from many Polish people. Never in my life would I have thought that complete strangers could be so awesome.
When I expressed this to one of our newfound friends here, he replied, "it is our duty." Strangers open their homes to people they do not know, and they go out of their way to help them. There are civic groups here that are heading efforts to start Ukrainian schools, mental health facilities, and cultural integration centers. Seeing people unite for the common good is a beautiful thing to experience, even though the reason for the situation is horrific.
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