Please forgive me for choosing this method to share information about a situation that occurred during the gathering in Dobra on August 8, 2015—something I did not include in my earlier comments. Until around 1:00 p.m., the atmosphere was pleasant and warm, even though four Demkowicz family members were loudly singing Ukrainian dumkas, which made it difficult to carry on conversations. At one point, they sang a song with lyrics that included: "Glory to the heroes of Ukraine………”banderowcy…….”

Some guests looked at each other and smiled or shook their heads. I, however, looked at my family with fear in my heart and mind. As a survivor of the Ukrainian genocide of Poles in Volhynia in 1943, I was horrified by the words of the song and the provocative behavior of the four Demkowicz men.

At that moment, I was speaking with a man from Gdańsk and his wife. He tried to calm me by saying that he too was a Demkowicz-Dobrzański, but he is Polish, and his mother had a similar experience in Volhynia—she lived near Lutsk and had also fled from the Banderites.

Just a few minutes after that, shortly after 1:00 p.m., he and his wife said goodbye and mentioned they were going to the cemetery, but weren't sure if they would return. I told them we would also go to the cemetery first and walk around Dobra, but we wouldn't return to the hall. And we didn’t. I didn’t want to return to the community center after being offended by the tactless actions of four Ukrainian provocateurs who didn’t seem to realize that in addition to Ukrainians, there were also Poles present—many of whom had suffered at the hands of Ukrainian Banderites, especially in 1943 in Volhynia.

At some point I overheard someone say: “The Demkowiczs are provoking trouble,” “It’s obvious they’re trying to stir something up,” “They clearly came prepared this time.” I didn’t ask what these comments meant, but I have been completely turned off from attending any future gatherings.

In my view, a gathering like this should be a time to celebrate, remember, and absorb new knowledge about Dobra and its people. I was ready for meaningful discussion, even a lecture. The happiest participants were those who had stepped outside and did not hear the words of the song glorifying the Banderites.

If you think I am exaggerating, let this be proof: As my family and I were leaving the building around 2:00 p.m., a man named Dobrzański approached us and apologized for what had happened, saying, “We just have to live with it.” His gesture was very appropriate and appreciated.

Forgive me for disturbing your peace with this message, but I believe we must be better prepared in the future. We can’t allow guests to act freely without oversight. There must be a plan, and someone designated to guide the event. We can’t let anyone do whatever they want for hours on end without structure or control.

I apologize for becoming a "skarżypyta" (tattletale), but I do so in the name of the greater good.

I send you my warmest regards.

Click here for original Polish version

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This testimony was originally shared online by a participant of the 2015 gathering in Dobra. Her words are preserved here with respect and gratitude, so that her experience is not forgotten.