Day 365+, One Year Later
Day 365+, One Year Later
February 24, 2023, Letter 22
Dear Friends,
At least a year has passed since the infamous 04:31AM. February 24th, 2022. A moment in a time akin in horror to: 08:46 AM, September 11th, 2001, and 07:48 AM December 7th, 1941.
Certainly, the historical impact of these moments is similar to respective nations. Still, the lasting horror that followed for the nations under attack is far from the same.
Many of us underestimated the resolve of the Ukrainian people, the strength of the Ukrainian military, and the hutzpah of its leaders. A year ago, many pundits gave Ukraine weeks, if not days, to fold under the RuZZian pressure. We anticipated the conventional war would last a short time and the partisan war in Ukraine to continue for years until RuZZia would have no choice but to pull out as it did from Afghanistan. Instead, we observed the war in real-time and full color, in horror and equal amazement. We witnessed the West pull together to stand up to lawless aggression and to deal with the refugee crisis that this war has created.
We also realized that the world is still divided into two parts, totalitarian regimes that place little value on human life, liberty, and self-determination and the world that holds those values sacred. This war allowed each of us to find a camp in which we belong, and we all understand that being indifferent and neutral to events in Ukraine is no longer acceptable.
According to statistics, in the USA, there are roughly 13 MM cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Compare that to approximately 30MM Ukrainians who are experiencing some of the PTSD symptoms, with only 3% receiving treatment for the same. That is approximately 75% of the population.
The overall impact on Ukraine is difficult to estimate and enumerate, but this is certain. Please continue supporting Share Ukraine and other organizations that channel every penny of your donation to Ukraine, knowing that you are making a difference. It will help in the short term in the life of at least one family and the long term, as Ukraine achieves victory and starts its long and difficult march toward recovery and joining the ranks of EU, NATO, and Western Democratic society.
“War fatigue” has already begun taking its toll. Ukraine, now, more than ever, needs you! The acts of RuZZian terror on Ukrainian infrastructure and intentional mental anguish caused by constant air raids and attacks on civilian support structures, like schools and hospitals, is relentless.
I hope that this time next year, we will be able to honor not just the anniversary of the broad invasion of Ukraine but also months of recovery efforts and some level of peace in Europe’s largest country.
On behalf of Share Ukraine and the Ukrainian People, I thank you for your support and friendship!
Glory to Ukraine,
Sam Rozenberg