During the last several weeks the world has witnessed the unjustified invasion of a sovereign nation as Ukraine faces attack by Russia. Television and social media bring us images of the horrors of war that inflict both physical and emotional trauma to Ukranians of all ages.
Please keep the Ukranian people and their loved ones abroad in your thoughts. Not knowing the fate of your loved ones is agonizing, especially when they are faced with such difficult choices—fleeing their homes as refuges, or staying behind to fight for their country and freedoms.
Television icon Fred Rogers said, “in times of crisis look for the helpers,” That sentiment rings especially true today. I think of the image of strollers left at a Polish train station for Ukranian refugees and their children. It’s an image of neighbors helping neighbors—helpers in action.
Leaving your home for a foreign land is not easy. When I left my native Syria to come to the United States it was incredibly difficult, but a decision that gave my family hope for a better future. Fortunately, I had a strong support system, including my teachers who helped me bridge the language barrier as I learned to speak English at age 10. I was blessed to find the helpers.
In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”
The theme represents the countless number of women, who as medical doctors, nurses, soldiers, counselors, clerics, teachers, and mothers worldwide, have stepped forward to provide healing throughout history and certainly during the ongoing global pandemic.
We’re also seeing that in Ukraine with female doctors taking care of the wounded, or the mothers who are desperate to protect their children and keep them out of harm’s way. We’ve seen teachers in underground shelters working to keep children safe and focus their attention on stories and learning while hoping the attacks will soon come to an end. We need to be eternally grateful for the sacrifices women around the globe have made for others. In story after story, they are the helpers.
Bashar W. Hanna, President
