The Muslim community in Nottingham has launched an appeal to help the people of Ukraine who are now fleeing their country after the eruption of war last week.
The appeal was inspired by Edyta Gluch, a Muslim convert originally from Poland, after the unfolding events resulted in thousands of Ukrainian families fleeing borders to Poland.
“I could not sit back and watch my fellow humans left with absolutely nothing, just witnessing the very few belongings they have on them, and the thought of them struggling to get food was incredibly heart-breaking,” Gluch told Impact Nottingham.
She continued “All the while women and children are being forced into an incredibly desperate and unsafe situation. This was what inspired me to set up this appeal.”
The solidarity event was held last Thursday at the Muslim Cultural Centre in Wollaton, asking for people to provide items of food and clothing to those crossing the border into Poland.
Hundreds of boxes of the donated food will be sent to Poland borders by a lorry arranged by B. Taylors & Sons Transport which will make the 2,600 mile journey to the city of Zamosc, just 30 miles shy of the Ukrainian – Polish border.
They will then to be sorted through and redistributed to Ukrainian refugees across the country.
“Originally I said we’d put one trailer out there yet we had such a good response from local companies were now in a position where we’re sending out seven in the coming week to clear what we’ve had so far,” managing director of Taylors, Alan Taylor, stated.
“Three have gone out already, and everybody has been so kind hearted by donating useful things to this appeal.”
Humanity First
Gluch confirmed that the appeal at the Muslim Cultural Centre has gone much better than expected. She hopes this will progress with people continuing to donate and provide the Ukrainian refugees with any support which ever way they can.
However, she expressed concern after various reports confirmed people of color were being refused entry at the borders.
“I think it’s disgusting. We are the proof today that all communities can live, support and exist with each other,” Gluch said.
“So what is the exact point of obstructing people based on race or religion?” She continued, “My family have lived in England for several years, and we are glad we have mixed communities. This policy at the border is not fair at all.”
She believes that there has to be further changes in Poland’s accommodation policy of refugees, “because this is not a matter of skin color but of humanity…. people should not be discriminated against on these grounds.”
Following a Russian military build-up on the Russia–Ukraine border from late 2021, the war expanded significantly when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.
It is the largest conventional military attack in Europe since World War II.