Fifteen months ago, I wrote about ways to show solidarity during the Covid-induced lockdown. Although the pandemic is still not over after more than two years, a new humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions has hit Europe. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, every day has brought tragic news of death and devastation. The pictures, videos and reports from Ukraine are so disturbing that after a while I, like many others, have to turn off the radio, switch off the telly or close my computer because I can’t bear to listen or watch any more. It’s truly horrendous. In the face of such atrocities, it’s normal to feel powerless, but there are things we can do to express solidarity with Ukrainian people.
Peace demonstrations
People all over the world have recently taken to the streets to show their support for Ukraine. In Berlin there was a huge demonstration two weeks ago, when over 100,000 protesters filled the Straße des 17. Juni, the large road between the Brandenburg Gate and the Siegessäule (Victory Column). It was the biggest peace demonstration since the war in Iraq. Yesterday several demonstrations were held across German cities. Once again thousands of ordinary citizens took to the streets to demand an end to the war. It may feel like a drop in the ocean, but it is important to make our voices heard. It also helps those protesting to see the many different faces of strangers who also feel strongly against the war.
A reception centre for refugees at Berlin Hauptbahnhof
While thousands of people were marching wearing face masks and carrying stop-the-war banners from Alexander Platz to the heart of the Tiergarten, just a few kilometres away on the other side of the river Spree thousands of refugees were arriving by train from Poland. Berlin central station has been the main arrival point in Germany for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. A welcome centre has been set up, where volunteers have been handing out food and beverages and helping people (mostly women and children) to find accommodation.
Ordinary Berliners have shown up at the station holding signs offering beds in their homes. A friend of mine who has been volunteering at Hauptbahnhof told me of a French school girl who is currently on an exchange programme in Berlin. After spending the night volunteering at the train station, she left the following morning to go to school. Yesterday walking around the train station there was an incredible mix of people: police officers, volunteers, refugees, peace demonstrators, as well as ordinary travellers and holiday makers. Most of these people are united by a spirit of solidarity, but sadly there have also been reports of men harassing young Ukrainian women. The police have been warning about possible human trafficking. For more information about how to help refugees in Berlin click on the link of the official Berlin website.
Donate to charities
There are plenty of charities who provide humanitarian relief in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. Donating to any one of these organizations will help. There are the well-known charities, such as, Save the Children, Unicef, Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, UNHCR, the World Food Programme (ShareTheMeal). You can also support local charities, such as, Sunflower of Peace, which has been fundraising first aid medical backpacks, United Help Ukraine, which provides medical supplies and humanitarian aid, Voices of Children, which helps children affected by war. You can also support local journalists by donating to English-language news outlets based in the country, such as Kyiv Independent and the New Voice of Ukraine.
Sign a petition
There are several petitions circulating on the internet demanding an end to the war and putting pressure on politicians to do more. For instance, Avaaz has launched a petition called “$top fuelling Putin’s war!” which has been signed by over 2 million people worldwide. After signing a petition try to spread the word though Twitter and other social media.
Meanwhile in Russia
Let’s not forget the courage of protestors in Russia, who risk up to 15 years in jail if they speak out against the war. Almost 15,000 Russian demonstrators have been arrested since the invasion of Ukraine. One woman in Russia was recently arrested for holding up a blank sign, while another woman was detained for holding a sign saying “two words” in Russian. These brave protestors recently reminded me of a book by Hans Fallada, called Alone in Berlin (a few years ago it was made into a film with Daniel Brühl, Emma Thompson and Brendan Gleeson). If you haven’t yet read the book, I would recommend it. It is based on real events and tells the story of a couple living in Berlin during World War II. After their son is killed, the couple start a protest against the Nazi regime by leaving anonymous postcards attacking Hitler across the city. This silent campaign comes to the attention of the Gestapo and a cat-and-mouse chase begins. It is a powerful novel and seems more topical than ever.
