Local officials said they received an urgent August 19 letter from the Institute of Work and Career Foundation warning of a “growing sense of danger” among Turkish students and teachers.
The group said foreigners, including two women in headscarves, were harassed and filmed, then mocked on social media. The visitors were moved to a Warsaw hotel and commute daily to classes.
Deputy mayor Piotr Chmielewski urged residents to “show kindness, acceptance and a sense of safety,” adding that municipal guards and police are watching the situation and some online content disparaging foreigners has been removed.
He told Polish Press Agency the foundation spoke with police but did not file a crime report and that city cameras captured no aggressive acts. The foundation’s head, Marta Prusek-Galińska, declined comment.
Deputy Interior Minister Czesław Mroczek said police support the group and will act regardless of the absence of a complaint: “We are proceeding regardless and are determined to identify the perpetrators of this incident.”
He cited rising hate-crime figures: about 500 proceedings and 380 confirmed crimes in the first half of last year, versus more than 600 proceedings and over 500 confirmed crimes this year.
Experts contacted by PAP linked the tensions to national politics and fear of the unfamiliar. Prof. Grzegorz Gorzelak said, “The mayor deserves to be honored for his courage and clear appeal,” adding that local hostility reflects a wider atmosphere.
Social policy scholar Dr. Ewelina Wiszczun said the violent reaction “resulted primarily from ignorance and ordinary fear,” urging explanations, apologies and efforts to build understanding.
Town officials said Góra Kalwaria has coexisted for over 20 years with foreigners from a nearby refugee center without serious incidents, and the appeal aims to prevent escalation and protect the town’s reputation so future Erasmus+ projects proceed safely.
(jh)
Source: PAP