A-Infos (en) Poland, FA: "We Welcome, We Don't Divide!" - the event is now behind us. (ca, de, it, pt, tr)[machine translation]

We met this weekend, September 12-13, in Katowice for an event organized 
by the Silesian Anarchist Federation and the No Borders Team. ---- Over 
these two days, we discussed migration, but in a way that differed 
somewhat from what the media-both right-wing and left-wing-has 
accustomed us to. For the anarchist milieu and the anti-fascist movement 
alike, supporting migrants and fighting politically for justice are one 
and the same struggle. These are things that every member of the working 
class understands deep down-provided they reflect on the matter 
independently of the propagandistic vision imposed on us by the media 
and politicians.
But let's take things in order.
On Saturday, three meetings took place at "Banhof," a fantastic 
grassroots venue in Katowice. First, the renowned Silesian writer and 
historian Dariusz Zalega spoke about Upper Silesia and its local 
mosaic-a place where, over the years, economic migrants from various 
corners of Europe formed a cohesive, organized community. It was a 
traditional community, yet one whose traditions were forged in real-time 
through migration, industrialization, and resistance against the 
attempts by politicians from successive emerging states to seize control 
of it all. It would be hard to find a more compelling example of how all 
those "traditional" and "age-old" structures-such as nations-are far 
younger than we might think.
As always, Darek presented historical facts in highly accessible 
language. A hallmark of his books and presentations is his palpable 
disdain for self-appointed authorities-for the master, the parish 
priest, and the policeman. A crucial perspective-one overlooked in the 
Third Polish Republic-is that working people create everything. The 
managerial, supervisory, and rentier class constitutes a superstructure 
that lives off the labor of others. It seems simple and obvious, yet it 
is absent from contemporary discourse.
Next, we spoke with the Latin American Workers' Union in Poland 
(*Sindicato de Trabajadores Latinoamericanos en Polonia*). These 
pioneers of migrant unionization shared stories of the exploitation they 
face in Poland. It was a harrowing meeting for many of us, as only a 
little over a decade ago, it was Poles who-migrating in search of 
work-were treated the same way in the West. Seventeen-hour workdays, 
confinement in labor camps, mafia-style physical intimidation, and total 
dependence on the employer-stemming from discriminatory laws-brought to 
mind Polish stories of exploitation. The far right, attempting to pose 
as a friend of the working class-the absolute majority of our 
society-tries to turn us against migrants. The truth, however, is that 
the divide lies elsewhere than we are led to believe. The dividing line 
is not defined by political declarations or nationality. Migrants' labor 
rights are a guarantee of labor rights for us all. Simple and true. Yet 
absent from contemporary discourse.
To wrap up the day, we spoke with Jacek Gemzik-a member of FA Kraków and 
the Folkowisko Festival-about building Polish-Ukrainian relations. The 
people behind the association exemplify a grassroots movement that 
emerged following Russia's attack on Ukraine-once again proving that the 
most valuable initiatives spring from the grassroots level and cannot be 
orchestrated from above.
Sunday was a laid-back affair. A picnic organized in the heart of 
Katowice offered a chance to discuss serious matters freely in a relaxed 
atmosphere. We hosted a "Human Library" event as part of the gathering. 
Some of you may already be familiar with the concept; for those who 
aren't, it's an opportunity to talk to individuals about their personal 
experiences and reflections. These aren't random people; they usually 
represent specific social groups-often marginalized ones. This time, we 
had the chance to speak with people who have lived through the migration 
experience.
There was music, too-and what music it was! DJ Alfred-a hip-hop legend 
from Poznan, a die-hard vinyl enthusiast, and an inspiration to many 
iconic artists on the scene-ruled the stage for most of the event. The 
irreplaceable Szela delivered a fantastic performance. Highly energetic, 
albeit brief, sets were spun by the NMCP crew, Ini, and DJ Lefthand. And 
then there was the Konvalia International Association-an amazing 
Ukrainian choir that included a performance by three young girls who 
displayed true stage professionalism despite their youth.
On top of that, the STUS Collective organized a fun game of social bingo 
for attendees, kids could get their faces painted, and delicious, 
protein-rich food was provided by Food Not Bombs Katowice.
The picnic also drew significant interest from Katowice residents who 
stumbled upon the event quite by chance.
We see real value in initiatives like this. Direct interaction with the 
public. Conversations about the reality that affects us all.

No prejudices, but no sugar-coating either. We are all in the same boat. 
We won't let ourselves be divided or duped.
The enemy doesn't arrive by boat, emerge from the forest, or steal our jobs.
The real enemy is the one who steals what we've earned-by pitting us 
against each other.
It seems simple enough. Yet, it is absent from contemporary discourse.

We would like to thank the 161 Crew, Zamek Nadaje, Silesia Riot Crew, 
and Late Bloomer Booking for sponsoring the event!

https://federacja-anarchistyczna.pl/2026/09/16/goscimyniedzielimy/
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