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Ukraine

Moms of the World

April 8, 2022 by Grace Bennett

A ‘selfie’ before the Chappaqua Library author talk. I was ‘hair ready’ too thanks to Carolyn Vento and Miranda at the King Street Salon!

A picture of strollers left on the Poland/Ukraine border to greet the massive influx of refugees pulled heartstrings internationally. So many good moms of the world, parents & non-parents alike, are reeling from what has befallen Ukraine especially knowing that children have been killed and in harm’s way. One child victim is one too many. As I wrote this column while closing editions on March 19th, I hoped by the time you read this, a peace, however imperfect, would have arrived. But here in my update, I’m sad to state this brutal war goes on. However, no surprise to me, local moms and non-moms alike are stepping up to do what they can.

I was especially grateful to hear about an effort by two area humanitarians–Ivana Denniston (an aesthetician formerly of the Chappaqua Wellness Center) and Kristen Salomon–who were with an on the ground team working furiously at press time to help Ukrainian refugees into Slovakia. I shared their efforts online in case you missed it.

Meanwhile, strolling along Armonk’s Main Street one day, I came upon two young ladies, both freshmen at Byram Hills High School, selling baked goods on behalf of the Ukranian Crisis Mission Relief. Adrianna Zawojek had asked her friend Ariana Foreman to join her in baking some 200 items to sell. Adult friends also dropped off coffee & cake to their table. They raised close to $3000!!!, including what was donated to their Venmo, @helpingukraine914

The girls offered this statement: “When you have no political power (for example, high school freshmen), and the world is in dire need, you often feel helpless. You think, ‘Oh, I’m not a politician, I’m not a huge business owner, what influence can I have to make this better?’ It is humanity’s obligation to help each other when the time calls for it. When we heard the appalling & terrible news of what was happening in Ukraine, we knew that we had to do something!”

‘Mom’s World’ happened to be a theme developed months ago before this war began. Of all the issues published each year in the last 19 years, preparing Mother’s Day editions is always my favorite. After all, nothing has brought me more joy in my own life than being a mom, even with its challenges sometimes. I loved gathering the heartfelt essays and stories you’ll find in the current editions and here online from talented contributors who I count as dear friends now too.

For our Mother’s Day coverage, I was thrilled to include a touching cover love story about two Chappaqua Rotary Citizens of the Year, the indomitable Frank and Suzanne Shiner! Plus, please check out our more up close and personal interview with New Castle’s dynamic new Town Supervisor Lisa Katz. Please also don’t miss the spotlight on the Chappaqua School Foundation and consider supporting their efforts for innovation in education at the upcoming Tacos & Tequila night on April 29! It’s sounding like a rollicking great time is in store. In Armonk, we were struck by the enthusiastic response to the Armonk Fire Department’s CPR education offered free to local residents, thanks to the department’s awesome Julie Gallagher, assisted by Rich Greenwald. We were also delighted to learn about the return of the Fol-de-Rol!

A side note: while producing these editions, I thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot from my interview with author Dorothy Wickenden during a Chappaqua Library Author Talk: Dorothy Wickenden Sheds Light on the Strength & Perseverance of Three Women Who Fought for Abolition & Women’s Rights (theinsidepress.com)  For  the next edition, I’m looking forward to sharing future events the library has planned to celebrate 100 years of serving the New Castle community; indeed, we plan to explore the future of libraries in general!

All three editions offer a substantial nod to the considerable gardening and beautification efforts around town–a maternal endeavor if ever there was one considering the many moms involved. Their efforts are spotlighted in each edition, and the upcoming Mother’s Day Plant Sales, but we also ‘packaged’ them altogether for a special Mother’s Day floral celebration of sorts in Inside Pleasantville & Briarcliff Manor. In that edition, you’ll also find info about the upcoming Pleasantville Day, an animated conversation with two key community leaders about all things spring and summer in Briarcliff Manor, plus a colorful ‘mom profile,’ Stacey Winnick, a compassionate local volunteer and businesswoman.

We have additional articles for your reading pleasure as always. We have also been actively promoting the idea of subscriptions in print and/or online if you’d like to support our efforts! Finally, the balmy weather arrived early, so we spotlight three fabulous locales for spring strolling on Mother’s Day, or any day! Enjoy!

 

Filed Under: Just Between Us Tagged With: Chappaqua library, Chappaqua School Foundation, Editor's Letter, Garden Clubs, humanitarians, Inside Press, Just Between Us, Magazines, Main Street, peace, Publisher, Ukraine, war

Reps. Mondaire Jones and Ted Deutch Urge Biden Administration to Protect Safety of Religious Minorities and LGBTQI+ Community in Ukraine

March 18, 2022 by The Inside Press

Today, Congressmen Mondaire Jones (D-NY) and Ted Deutch (D-FL) led 70 of their House colleagues in a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken urging them to do everything in their power to protect the rights and safety of Ukrainians who may be particularly vulnerable. Specifically, the lawmakers are calling on the Biden Administration to dedicate sufficient resources and attention to Ukrainian members of marginalized groups that have historically faced violence and persecution under Russian rule and occupation, including Jews and LGBTQI+ people.

“As you know, Ukrainian Jews experienced horrific waves of violence and persecution under Russian and Soviet rule and Nazi German occupation in the 20th century,” the lawmakers wrote. “In recent months, Russia’s aggressive rhetoric raised fears among members of Ukraine’s Jewish community who still have memories of the antisemitic violence of the last century.  On February 23, Vladimir Putin evoked the term “denazification” to explain his invasion of Ukraine–a nation led by a Jewish President–stating that the purpose of Russian military operations is to protect people facing humiliation and genocide perpetrated by Ukrainian leadership.  As the Anti-Defamation League points out, Russia has instrumentalized antisemitism to influence domestic and foreign public opinion in its conflict with Ukraine.  This politicization of antisemitism can severely harm Jewish communities. Moreover, the dishonest use of the language of “denazification” as pretext, and the shocking March 1 attack on the Babyn Yar Holocaust memorial, indicate that, in reality, Russia’s invasion poses significant risk to Ukrainian Jews.”

In their letter, the lawmakers ask the Biden Administration to: 

  • Ensure close and continued dialogue with organizations that serve Ukrainian members of marginalized groups, including religious minorities and LGBTQI+ people;
  • Fund and support shelters to serve vulnerable populations that face particular risk at the hands of Russian forces; 
  • Ensure U.S. Embassies in Eastern Europe are equipped to provide immediate assistance to those fleeing the Russian war in Ukraine; and
  • Provide assistance for transgender Ukrainian individuals whose visible gender does not match their documents as they cross checkpoints and international boundaries. 

“Additionally, we have received reports that highlight the extreme risks LGBTQI+ Ukrainians face at the hands of Russian forces,” the lawmakers continued. “As you know, LGBTQI+ people widely face discrimination and persecution in Russia. In Chechnya, reports have documented what has been described as a large-scale ‘anti-gay purge’ by Russian security forces.  When the killings of gay men began in Chechnya in 2017, the Trump Administration was slow to respond and failed to work with organizations that resettle LGBTQI+ people who faced danger. We cannot repeat the previous administration’s mistakes. Russia’s military presence in Ukraine endangers the lives of LGBTQI+ Ukrainians and reverses the progress that country has made toward equality.”

As Representatives for two of the largest Jewish communities in the country, Reps. Jones and Deutch have been strong advocates for the global Jewish community and have been leaders in the fight against antisemitism. Most recently, Rep. Jones co-led a letter, signed by Rep. Deutch, calling on House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro to increase funding for FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program after the horrific antisemitic attack on Congregation Beth Shalom in Colleyville, Texas. Rep. Deutch leads the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, on which Rep. Jones also serves, and sits on the Interparliamentary Task Force on Online Antisemitism.

As the first openly gay, Black member of Congress and Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, Rep. Jones has also fought to affirm LGBTQI+ justice, from voting to pass the Equality Act in the House, including his own bill, the Juror-Nondiscrimination Act, to co-leading the Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth Act. And as a Vice Chair of the Equality Caucus, Chair of the LGBTQ Aging Issues Task Force, and a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rep. Deutch has been a consistent advocate for the LGBTQI+ community and global human rights.

The letter can be found here and below.

Dear President Biden and Secretary Blinken,

We write to express our deep concern for the safety of the Ukrainian people following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. At this critical time, we thank you for your strong leadership in uniting the United States and our allies against Vladimir Putin’s unjust war. As we take action to aid Ukraine in its defense, we ask that you do all you can to protect the rights and safety of Ukrainians who may be particularly vulnerable. Specifically, we urge you to dedicate sufficient resources and attention to Ukrainian members of marginalized groups that have historically faced violence and persecution under Russian rule and occupation. 

The recently adopted U.S.-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership confirms the United States’ and Ukraine’s shared dedication to advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as “fighting racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and discrimination, including against Roma and members of the LGBTQI+ communities.”  Now that Russia has launched an unjust war against Ukraine, it is critical to uphold these principles and work with our partners to protect the rights and safety of marginalized Ukrainians. Among the most vulnerable are historically persecuted religious minorities and LGBTQI+ people. 

As you know, Ukrainian Jews experienced horrific waves of violence and persecution under Russian and Soviet rule and Nazi German occupation in the 20th century. In recent months, Russia’s aggressive rhetoric raised fears among members of Ukraine’s Jewish community who still have memories of the antisemitic violence of the last century.  On February 23, Vladimir Putin evoked the term “denazification” to explain his invasion of Ukraine–a nation led by a Jewish President–stating that the purpose of Russian military operations is to protect people facing humiliation and genocide perpetrated by Ukrainian leadership.  As the Anti-Defamation League points out, Russia has instrumentalized antisemitism to influence domestic and foreign public opinion in its conflict with Ukraine.  This politicization of antisemitism can severely harm Jewish communities. Moreover, the dishonest use of the language of “denazification” as pretext, and the shocking March 1 attack on the Babyn Yar Holocaust memorial, indicate that, in reality, Russia’s invasion poses significant risk to Ukrainian Jews.

Additionally, we have received reports that highlight the extreme risks LGBTQI+ Ukrainians face at the hands of Russian forces. As you know, LGBTQI+ people widely face discrimination and persecution in Russia. In Chechnya, reports have documented what has been described as a large-scale “anti-gay purge” by Russian security forces.  When the killings of gay men began in Chechnya in 2017, the Trump Administration was slow to respond and failed to work with organizations that resettle LGBTQI+ people who faced danger. We cannot repeat the previous administration’s mistakes. Russia’s military presence in Ukraine endangers the lives of LGBTQI+ Ukrainians and reverses the progress that country has made toward equality.

For these reasons, we urge you to:

  • Ensure close and continued dialogue with organizations that serve Ukrainian members of marginalized groups, including religious minorities and LGBTQI+ people;
  • Fund and support shelters to serve vulnerable populations that face particular risk at the hands of Russian forces; 
  • Ensure U.S. Embassies in Eastern Europe are equipped to provide immediate assistance to those fleeing the Russian war in Ukraine; and
  • Provide assistance for transgender Ukrainian individuals whose visible gender does not match their documents as they cross checkpoints and international boundaries. 

Russian forces have demonstrated a lack of respect for international law and human rights during military operations in recent years. As Russia continues its unjust attack on Ukraine, we urge you to do all you can to protect Ukrainians who are especially at-risk in this conflict.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this urgent matter. 

 

Editor’s Note: This post is info received from the Office of Congressman Mondaire Jones.

Filed Under: International Tagged With: Antisemitism, LGBTQI+, Ukraine

Call for Help from this Humanitarian Effort Underway To Assist Those Crossing at Border from Ukraine into Slovakia

March 14, 2022 by The Inside Press

HOW ANYONE CAN HELP

By Kristen Salomon

We are working together with our friends in Slovakia to assist those crossing the border into Slovakia from Ukraine. The group in Slovakia–Aubrey Mathis, Isobelle Ouzman, Addy Akram, and Miloš Ogurčák–are working hard to organize other volunteers, and to provide logistical support, transportation, food, supplies, shelter, medical supplies and compassion. We have secured a house near the border that can house many people, give them a place to rest, eat, shower and relax a bit while they figure out their next steps. We have on the ground support to help them and if you or someone you know has family still in Ukraine and can make it to the Slovakia border, we can help you help them! This is purely a humanitarian effort; all organizers and volunteers are unpaid. Every dollar goes to welcoming and assisting refugees from Ukraine regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation. This is just people helping people! Please help us help them! Share, donate, encourage, follow our efforts in our Facebook group Ukraine Border Aid or on Instagram @ukraineborderaid or email us at ukraineborderaid@gmail.com if you need assistance. Every drop creates an ocean…we are humbly grateful for your help!❤️🙏.  Donations can be made here:  https://gofund.me/6d9450fb

Who We Are

Aubrey Mathis is a small town Louisiana boy who served in the US Air Force as well US Department of Homeland Security. He now lives and teaches in Slovakia through his company Fat Europe. Aided by his UK born wife Isobelle Ouzman, a freelance artist, the couple got to work immediately as the war began to do whatever they could to help. They have made countless trips to the border to provide supplies and transport refugees from the border into Bratislava. Inspired by their humble generosity, we have formed a group to assist in transportation, shelter, food and supplies for those refugees arriving at the Slovakian border of Ubla. Addy Akram is a Member of the Regional Parliament as well as Town Councilor, as well as owner of a language school based in Slovakia. He is a friend of Aubrey’s and jumped into help from Eastern Slovakia. He’s been working tirelessly helping with logistics, finding and making space available to house refugees, and providing assistance where needed as they plan their next steps. Milos Ogurcak is a Slovak native who usually spends his time traveling Europe building skate parks. He recently returned from Germany and also jumped in immediately to assist Addy and providing aid directly to the border.

Local Contacts

Ivana Denniston is a Slovak born New Yorker, jewelry designer, former esthetician, and active humanitarian. Her father served as an Honorary Diplomat to Ukraine. She maintains close ties to her family and friends in Slovakia and immediately wanted to help. She contacted Addy and the collaboration began.

Kristen Salomon is a California born New Yorker, Diplomat of Acupuncture, who provides local community aid for food insecure and homeless New Yorkers, as well as international medical aid.

Kristen & Ivana are close friends and immediately began to discuss ways to assist the efforts of those above.

“We are all heartbroken and as we pray for peace, we will do all we can to help those in need. Please help us help others! Donate, share, encourage, all positive support is appreciated.”

 

Filed Under: Not for Profit News Tagged With: crisis, fundraiser, Humanitarian Effort, Ukraine, Ukraine Border Aid

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