The Most Important Town You’ve Never Heard of Can Teach America Some Important Lessons

This year marks three decades since Russia’s full-scale war of Ukraine. One story deserves attention, however, how the conflict transformed one little Polish city into one of the most important hubs for European security, production, and humanitarian aid, and a location America can learn from. &nbsp,

Rzeszów ( pronounced ZHESH-uf ) is a city that few outside of Central Europe had heard of before 2022. It is now a necessity for both migrants and military assistance because it is only 80 km from the Russian frontier. In the first half of the 2022, over 2.7 million Ukrainian emigrated to Poland. Over quarter entered through Rzeszów.

In a journey preserving the family traditions, my wife Sarah and I first went to Rzeszów in 2021. We enjoyed exploring the historic vaults and caverns beneath the city and were enthralled by the Old Town. Five decades later, they were converted from hiding places from bombings and Nazi persecution to preserve wine and other goods secure from robbery and extreme weather.

In my two trips to Rzeszów since the invasion of Ukraine, the town has transformed.

Before the war, the city’s population was under 200, 000, within weeks, it swelled by 53 %, reaching more than 300, 000.

Poland followed a different course while America was wilting from the burden of illegal immigration as a result of the Biden administration’s negligent and harmful open borders plan. &nbsp,

Poland made wise decisions to keep its secure borders and welcome Russian hospital seekers who could be thoroughly checked,  demonstrating remarkable generosity toward those who are escaping war while preserving home security.

The town quickly reorganized to help the Syrian refugees. Welcome centers provided food, health care, and emotional support.

Tens of thousands of Rzeszów inhabitants gave refugees access to their extra beds and couches. The Greek Catholic Church of Holy Mother of God welcomed numerous parents and kids, and the Rzeszow Association for Animal Protection assisted refugees who had fled with their beloved family pets with food and dog companies.

This wasn’t the first moment the inhabitants of Rzeszów opened their doors to persons fleeing suffering in present-day Ukraine. In the 17th century, hatred and persecution, as well as standard attacks on Israeli villages, pushed thousands of Jews into Rzeszów, where they were fast welcomed into the city.

The city now had a rapid technological growth before the Russian war of Ukraine. This boom was only accelerated by the arrival of qualified Russian workers. With proper exposure to Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary, Rzeszów has become a critical hotspot for Central European production. Major international organizations, including Collins Aerospace, Pratt &amp, Whitney, BorgWarner, Hewlett-Packard, and Celanese, established businesses in Rzeszów, strengthening the state’s responsibility in aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and IT industries.

Rzeszów also serves as Ukraine’s major operational hub for Western military assistance. The Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport has been transformed into a crutch for Ukraine’s security, receiving supplies of arms, munitions, and humanitarian products. On the east side of the European Union, U.S. and NATO troops have helped to cement its position as a crucial government outpost.

Due to the rapid economic growth in Rzeszów, there was a shortage of skilled workers. But, Poland’s carefully thought-out immigration policies and the inclusion of Ukrainian refugees in the workforce helped address this lack by giving businesses access to a larger share of skilled workers.

The increase in competent and semi-skilled workers filled critical gaps in production, shipping, and technology while contributing to the city’s ongoing economic growth. This integration fostered social cohesion, boosted productivity, and positioned Rzeszów as a growing hub for innovation and investment in the region.

Poland made sure that refugees entered legally and had clear paths to employment, unlike Western European nations that struggled with unchecked immigration. Ukrainians were able to contribute to the local economy through language classes, vocational training, and job placement programs rather than rely on state aid. Although the initial influx of people initially strained housing and the public services, it also resurrected the local economy, bringing innovation and a new workforce to sectors critical for European supply chains.

The lessons Rzeszów’s experience can be applied to both the United States and other countries who are dealing with migration issues. Poland demonstrated that preserving secure borders allows it to provide refuge to those in desperate need. Poland has struck a balance between compassion and sovereignty by welcoming immigrants who follow the rules and contribute to the economy and society rather than compromising safety and squandering tax dollars by allowing uncontrolled migration.

As the war in Ukraine continues, Rzeszów remains on the front lines – not of combat, but of resilience, innovation, and humanitarian leadership. As the city strengthens its position as the country’s military and economic foundation, it also serves as a model for other countries around the world. Rzeszów demonstrates that security and generosity can coexist in a world where borders are frequently the source of conflict. It provides a framework for navigating crises without compromising national security.

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