I wrote about him more than a year ago. A resident of Banja Luka, a friend and sympathizer of Poles—he used to come to Bolesławiec with the “Pelagić” Ensemble, and when our song and dance ensembles (“Bolesławiec” and “Jutrzenka”) went to Banja Luka to perform, he would already welcome them at the border with cognac and rakija. Later, he organized concerts for the ensembles, “recorded” the press, radio and television, and made their stay easier—he was their guide and caretaker.
In Banja Luka, they called him the “Polish consul,” because he helped even Poles arriving privately in difficult situations, from finding accommodation to establishing business contacts. He did not begrudge his own money when Polish guests were thirsty or hungry.
Now he has been in our country for more than 16 months, away from his homeland and home. He lives with friends, acquaintances and, for a time, in a refugee centre. He cannot return to his country. When he left former Yugoslavia, civil war broke out. His apartment was looted and occupied. Returning now could cost him his life. He must wait out this difficult period in Poland, which has become his second homeland.
Zoga (as he called himself and as everyone called him) needs help. With tears in his eyes, he told me about the big-hearted people he had met in many Polish cities, including our own. The Kumoszes, Kuneckis, Gieraks, Bartosiks, Cempurows, Czechs and others helped him. There were also those who pretended not to recognize him, or claimed they “didn’t have time.” But that is how it is: you discover your true friends in times of trouble.
The “Polish consul” from Banja Luka can be helped through TMB (tel. 42-55, Pl. Piłsudskiego 1, room 515), by contacting Elżbieta Tor—“Bolesławiec” Song and Dance Ensemble, tel. 41-24, and by contacting him directly at:
UNKIĆ HAMDIJA ZOGA DW “Andrzejówka” 43-800 Jaworze Średnie.