Across Poland, small stickers carried a powerful message of solidarity, while thousands demanded that authorities confront growing hostility before it becomes normalized.
Peaceful demonstrations against violence, contempt, and discrimination took place across Poland. The nationwide campaign was organized by the Committee for the Defence of Democracy (KOD), which called on citizens not to remain indifferent to verbal and physical attacks against people because of their origin, language, or appearance.
Demonstrations were planned, among other places, in the following cities:
Warsaw;
Kraków;
Gdańsk;
Poznań;
Wrocław;
Katowice;
Rzeszów;
Lublin;
Łódź;
Szczecin;
Białystok;
Kielce.
During the demonstrations, participants are being handed stickers bearing the words “Don’t Be Indifferent.” Organizers are encouraging people to place them on shop doors, in establishments, or on cars. These signs are intended to show Ukrainians that they can count on help, feel safe, and receive support in these places.
Organizers Call for Resistance to Violence
KOD emphasizes that the current demonstrations should mark the beginning of a broader civic campaign. Its participants are being urged to stand against aggression, contempt, and discrimination, regardless of a person’s origin or language.
The organizers believe that failing to respond to insults and attacks contributes to the normalization of aggression and may lead to its further escalation.
The Sunday demonstrations were another civic initiative aimed at countering the growing anti-Ukrainian and anti-immigrant sentiment in Poland.
Demonstrators in Warsaw Demanded Government Action
On Friday, a demonstration titled “My Poland Does Not Hit, Insult, or Bully” took place in Warsaw. During the rally, the organizers submitted a petition signed by more than 11,000 people to the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland and the Ministry of the Interior and Administration.
In the document, the participants demanded decisive action from the government to combat violence, including brutal attacks on Ukrainian citizens.
The protests were a direct response to a series of violent incidents that had occurred in various regions of Poland over the preceding weeks. Research by Res Futura and the University of Warsaw also showed a sharp increase in hate speech on Polish social media in May and June 2026.
The Origins of the Slogan “Don’t Be Indifferent”
The phrase “Don’t Be Indifferent” became widely known after a speech by Marian Turski on January 27, 2020. He delivered it during events marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Don’t be indifferent.
– Marian Turski
The former camp prisoner urged people not to tolerate the persecution of minorities, violations of human rights, or historical lies. Organizers of the present-day demonstrations have adopted this appeal as a symbol of solidarity with people who face hatred, violence, and discrimination.