We went to Lónya, a few steps from the Hungarian-Ukrainian border, to "take and take" what we can: to do something in this critical situation. Before leaving, we consulted with the Hungarian Red Cross, they asked us to go to Lónya in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County and also told us what was most needed there right now.
Donations and refugees are constantly arriving in Lónya. When we got there, a busload of tortured people had just arrived at the refugee center.
The volunteers are amazing: they are driven by some amazing inner strength. One of them said that he has been there for seven days and cannot leave. Even if he takes a little break, he rushes back because “there is work.” We asked what else they need. He said that it is very unpredictable. Sometimes something is suddenly needed (say, for a refugee with special needs or a medical condition, or they just run out of some basic item), but as soon as they want to ask for help, “ten of them jump right in. If we wish for anything, it comes true.” There is a touching, crowd-moving solidarity for the refugees. Everyone wants to help. A call just came in from Salgótarján: a pensioner has offered his rooms to the refugees.
We also saw refugees. It was heartbreaking to see the state of mind they were in. Most of them were in a state of shock, not seeking contact with the outside world, tired, tormented, broken people. Most of those who arrived here only spent a few hours in Lónya, where volunteers organized their onward journey. The shelter center had small travel packages prepared for those who were leaving. Most of them (even when they were pressed into their hands) didn't take it, saying "they're fine, maybe someone else needs it more."
We came back struggling with tears. It's nice to see so many wonderful, helpful people, but it's unspeakably painful to see so many people in so much trouble. If you can, please help them.
