“No Better Story Than This”: Aiding Refugees in Poland

Aiding refugees is Honorata Maslov’s full-time job. A refugee herself — she fled Kyiv for Warsaw when the Ukraine crisis began — Honorata knew she had toaid her fellow Ukrainians. That’s why she became a JDC volunteer, setting up emergency shelters and transportation for Jewish refugees to other cities and countries, coordinating with local authorities, and offering psychological support for children. This World Refugee Day, Honoratareflects on what inspired her to do this life-saving work.

Helping refugees is what I do.

As a crisis manager with nearly 20 years of professional experience, I’m dedicated to helping people at various stages of their lives and development. At JDC, I coordinate our work to assist Jewish refugees from Ukraine now living in Poland — monitoring the ongoing crisis to make sure their needs are being met, JDC’s resources are being thoughtfully allocated, and we’re in constant touch with out various partners.

My road here wasn’t an obvious one: I graduated from the Naval Academy in Gdynia with a master’s of science degree in navigation and naval armament engineering, specializing in hydrographic survey and navigational markings, and ultimately finishing my higher education with a certification in management. I then went on to receive a second degree, focused on education and pedagogical preparation — skills I now use practically every day in my work with Ukrainian refugees here in Poland.

My journey into this line of work has been shaped by a combination of personal experiences, professional development, and a strong commitment to humanitarian aid. When the Ukraine crisis began in 2022, I knew I wanted to volunteer and quickly became involved with setting up emergency shelters, transportation for refugees to other cities and countries, coordinating with local authorities, and offering psychological support for children. When the opportunity to work for JDC came, I jumped at the chance — it represented exactly what I wanted to do and a true chance to make an impact for vulnerable people. I’m also a refugee myself, from Kyiv, so I fully understood the situation and the needs of the population we’re serving.

While the initial surge of Ukrainian refugees following Feb. 24, 2022, has abated, the work of supporting these individuals continues to remain critical. Many refugees may not be able to return home for years due to the ongoing conflict and the resulting instability and destruction of infrastructure — and others simply have nowhere to go back to. Ukrainian refugees have settled in various countries across Europe and beyond, and host countries need to provide ongoing integration support, including language training, employment opportunities, access to education, and healthcare services. This is a complex, ongoing process that requires resources and a sustained commitment.

Many Ukrainian refugees have experienced significant trauma. In Poland, JDC provides mental health and psychosocial support — crucial for their recovery and long-term well-being. Ensuring that displaced children and young adults continue their education is also essential, and this involves enrolling them in local schools and offering language support.

The situation for Ukrainian refugees is dynamic, with needs that can change over time. Right now, when everyone is exhausted, when resources are running out and the conflict in Ukraine is escalating, this is the right moment for dynamic action. We already have the experience, and we know that the demand for our assistance has not faded or faltered. We must remember that refugees are in a country that is not their own, often not knowing the language, unable to find a good job, struggling with documentation allowing them to stay in a given country, and so many other challenges. None of this is their choice, and we must preserve our empathy and continue to offer them a helping hand.

JDC continues to play a vital role in responding to the ongoing refugee crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine. Beyond that country’s borders, more than 13,000 refugees across Europe are receiving integration assistance — necessities like food, medicine, accommodation, and psychosocial aid — in Jewish communities communities supported by JDC. Our operations have also included evacuations and medical support for refugees and local communities. In Poland, we created many programs of support for refugees: housing assistance, a 24-hour support hotline, workshops, community meetings, and programs connected to Polish language learning, medical assistance, employment, transportation, and more. 

What keeps me coming to work each day is the knowledge that I am making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most, the inspiration drawn from the resilience of the people I serve, and the ongoing pursuit of a more just and compassionate world. My incorrigible optimism, faith, and hope give me the strength to act. 

There is no better story than saving a human life. Despite the daily challenges and endless issues of our world, we should not forget that most precious gift — the gift of life. I am so fulfilled by work and by the feedback I receive from the people we’re able to help. Sometimes, it’s as simple as just one word — “arrived,” when I understand that our beneficiaries are safe and have reached their next “destination.”

What keeps me going is the knowledge that I’m making a meaningful difference — my incorrigible optimism, faith, and hope give me the strength to act.

The crisis of Ukrainian refugees is far from over, and we must continue to provide robust and sustained support. By focusing on long-term integration, mental health, education, economic stability, and community cohesion, we can ensure that Ukrainian refugees are not forgotten and are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Practical support, such as providing financial aid, legal assistance, and resettlement services, can significantly improve the lives of refugees.

As we observe World Refugee Day, let us remember that the plight of refugees is not just a distant news story but a call to action grounded in the Jewish history and values. For all of us at JDC, supporting Jewish refugees is not only a moral duty but a profound expression of our Jewish values and historical memory. By standing with refugees, we honor our past, uphold our ethical teachings, and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.

Honorata Maslov is JDC’s director of refugee assistance in Poland.

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