It has been 1,096 days. Three years. That’s how long it has been since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Days and years full of evil, death, suffering, and destruction. But also full of heroism, solidarity, and loyalty to values.
Krzyżowa did not hesitate to offer help to the victims of the war. Just a few days after the outbreak, we welcomed the first refugees. Between March 2022 and January 2025, a total of 177 people found shelter with us. Some stayed for a few weeks, others for many months. Recently, the last of them left us.
We did not limit ourselves to providing shelter and food. We assisted our guests in handling bureaucratic matters, organized Polish language courses, training, and activities aimed at professional activation, as well as medical and psychological care. We helped them search for jobs and housing. For children, we created a special group in our kindergarten, took them on trips, and invited them to participate in our projects.
All of this was made possible by the immense dedication of our team, as well as the incredible support we received from our partners and friends in Poland, Germany, and other countries. We sincerely thank everyone who helped us help others. Without you, we would not have been able to do anything! We are so grateful you are here!
We received many expressions of gratitude from our guests. One of them was a Ukrainian flag with thanks and signatures from several dozen Ukrainian soldiers. Some of them may no longer be alive today...
Yes, the time of death, suffering, and destruction has not yet ended. That is why we want to remind ourselves and everyone who reads these words: Ukraine still needs our help and solidarity. It has a right to it, as it is not only defending itself, but all of us.
There are no longer any refugees in Krzyżowa, but we continue to support Ukraine by implementing projects for Ukrainian youth. We create a space to respite from the horrors of war, a space for meeting peers from other countries and enhancing life skills. We will also develop projects for people working with youth, teachers, trainers, and young leaders in order to strengthen Ukrainian civil society for the time of rebuilding the country.
In order to continue supporting Ukraine, to do it effectively and on the largest possible scale, we need your help. Don’t forget about us! Remember that in Krzyżowa, we are creating a reconciled, civic Europe. Ukraine is part of it.
The Board of the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe
Dorota Krajdocha, Dr. Hab. Robert Żurek
