OLLI 0216 - The Aftermath: One Mil Ukrainian Refugees in Poland
Course Description
In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Over a million refugees fled to Poland which made monumental efforts to provide emergency services to accommodate them. Health care, housing, food, and childcare were offered, often free of charge. Over the years, Ukrainians have made substantial contributions to Poland and its economy. However, as time passed, Poles began to criticize the generous treatment of these guests. This feeling was particularly stressed during the recent presidential election. This presentation will summarize these sentiments and how they influenced this election. Presenter Anne Gurnack, PhD, is Professor Emerita of American Politics at UW-Parkside and was the 2017 recipient of the Skalny award from the Polish American Historical Association and the 2023 recipient of the Clement Zablocki award for her involvement and promotion of Polish American culture and research. This presentation results from her field research and meetings with public officials in Poland in 2023.
Presenter(s)
Anne Gurnack
Anne Gurnack, Ph.D. is Professor Emerita of American Politics at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Dr. Gurnack was the 2017 recipient of the Skalny award from the Polish American Historical Association and the 2023 recipient of the Clement Zablocki award for her involvement and promotion of Polish American culture and research. This presentation results from her field research and meetings with public officials in Poland in 2023. She has also been a frequent OSHER speaker as well as on public television.