Incredible! The Logistics of The Ukrainian Refugee Relief Operation in Poland
The Polish people continue to amaze.
They are caring, welcoming, and highly efficient.
All while having one eye looking over their shoulder fearful they could be next.
If you have any Polish blood in you, you should be standing tall at this moment in history.
Our crew is posted at a refugee transfer center.
Picture a vacant superstore modified to temporarily house up to 1,000 refugees each night.
Refugees spend just one night there while they are processed and prepared for relocation. They are separated by final destinations; some will be relocated elsewhere in Poland, others in Italy, Germany, the U.K., etc.
Our crew’s job is to enter a space evacuated by the overnight guests when they board their transfer buses and ready the space for the next arrivals.
They break down the cots, replace the linens, wash the floors, disinfect all the spaces, etc.
There are volunteers helping from the world over.
Faith groups, relief organizations, and even individuals have arrived to lend a hand.
The Red Cross is there. Caritas is there.
A large contingent from Israel is there.
There is even a group called “World Relief Kitchen” with chapters from Texas, Holland, Switzerland, etc. who are there preparing food representing their regions.
Texas BBQ anyone?
There is even pet support organization present to care for pets arriving with guests!
To be able to ratchet down, even a notch, the searing anxiety of being violently uprooted from your lifetime home, to be swiftly shuttled to a foreign land where you have never been, and do not even speak the language –
to be able to do that is a gift indeed.
Poland is hosting the world’s outpouring of love.
Security is tight with heavy military and police presence.
A key concern is the vulnerability of the refugees to human trafficking.
One Ukrainian gentleman surveyed the scene and stated:
“People are here from all over the world to save us and our neighbors are trying to kill us.”