The network is spreading information about xenophobes in Poland attacking Ukrainians. I could, of course, say that there are far more Poles who do not support such behavior—millions of people who helped Ukrainians escape the war.
But I want to talk about something else. The main guarantee of your safety is not changes in another country or a successful fight against xenophobia, but the existence of your own country. Of course, it’s very good when other countries are tolerant, but you cannot be responsible for the development of their society.
When I emphasized the importance of Ukraine as a refuge, many told me that I was thinking archaically and that the era of nation-states was over.
No, friends. The era of nation-states has come—as it always does during wars and upheavals. And we are living and will live in such an era.
Do you know what allows me to walk with my head held high? The existence of Ukraine—yes. But also the existence of Israel.
I have been sent to Israel since September 1, 1974, meaning from my first day at school. Just like these girls in the video were sent to Ukraine, I continue to be sent to Israel for 52 consecutive years. You just need to open the comments on any of my texts to see this.
As in the case of Poland, I always tell myself that there are far more Ukrainians who are not xenophobes. And that the people who deny me the right to live in Ukraine, which I consider my homeland, are in the minority. But I cannot be responsible for trends that may change among Ukrainians. I cannot be sure that these decent people will always protect me. And then I remember that other people have created a national refuge for me to feel safe and among my own. Where no one will send me anywhere. I sincerely thank these people. Always.
When I was in school and when I was sent to Israel, it pained me to think that Ukrainians actually had nowhere to go. That they did not have their own national government—and many of them didn’t even realize it. Therefore, the idea of Ukraine’s independence was as important to me as the sovereignty of Israel. I always wanted to do for Ukrainians what other people did for me.
And I think that displays of hatred towards Ukrainians in other countries should once again convince us of the value of the Ukrainian state. Imagine how my great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers felt when they were also expelled, and they had nowhere to go. Ultimately, they were robbed and burned.
Just imagine what will happen to you if there is no Ukraine. Where will the people who are expelled from abroad, where they sought refuge from hardships, go?
Therefore, every display of xenophobia should convince you not only that Poland or Europe needs to change. It should convince you, first and foremost, of how important it is to preserve Ukraine.
Cover photo: a frame from the video “My Home – Ukraine” by Nazar Dorosh
