FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM MARCH 17, 2022 • THE QUEENS COURIER 49
Victoria’s
SECRETS
Victoria
SCHNEPSYUNIS
vschneps@schnepsmedia.com
These are remarkable times
with all of us terrifi ed and
shocked by the news we
are getting from the Russian
invasion of Ukraine.
My mother came from Kyiv
when she was a tiny 2-year-old
literally being carried across
Europe by her brother as they
ran from the Russian-sponsored
pogroms tearing apart their
home.
How sad that history is repeating
itself, but now it’s not just
the Jews fl eeing — it’s a nation
of people.
I called my friend Doris
Schechter, who sounded very
sad on the phone. When I asked
her what’s happening, she shared
her horror of watching what was
happening in Ukraine. I told her
to turn off her TV, but she said
that was only part of her sorrow.
Th e real issue, she said, is that
the present crisis reminded her
vividly of her childhood running
History is repeating itself
away from the Nazis over half a
century ago.
Doris, along with her family,
lived in Guardiagrele as free
prisoners of Mussolini. In 1944,
President Roosevelt invited
1,000 refugees as guests of the
United States of America.
I asked her to write about her
memories and I would like to share
her “Refl ections” with you all.
With great sadness, I watched
mothers and children trying to
escape the terrors of war in the
Ukraine. It catapults me back to
my formative years with my parents,
living in Italy.
The Nazis, marching into
Guardiagrele, Italy, enveloped
us with tremendous fear for our
lives. My parents knew then that
we had to fi nd an escape route in
order to save themselves and me,
their 5-year-old.
Th ere was only one decision.
We would have to cross the front
to get to the Allied area.
We joined a group of Italians
who were going to cross the
front. What a horrifi c time of
complete danger, crossing minefi
elds, where one had to follow
in the footsteps of the person in
front of you, to avoid stepping
on a mine.
Th ere I was, 5 years old, knowing
to be quiet and having to be
completely obedient to whatever
my parents said.
Even so, I lost my shoes in the
mud, and marched bravely without
a whimper.
Th e fear that I had not only
for myself, but also for the fear
my parents had, that I internalized,
has remained an emotional
part of my life. I always wondered
why, and to what end, that one
cruel murderer can perpetrate on
humanity and innocent children.
She became a refugee to
America, living in an abandoned
army camp called Fort Ontario,
which was located in Oswego,
New York. Now, she is a successful
Manhattanite!
Doris sweetly told me that
writing down her story helped
her. But I reminded her to stop
watching the war news and she
told me she did stop.
I feel we all need to help in the
humanitarian eff orts to help the
refugees fl eeing. I feel so helpless
watching the devastation,
but helping is the only thing we
can control.
Th ere are many ways you can
help and donate. Here are a few
ideas:
HOW TO HELP
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICE
CRS and their partner Caritas Ukraine are
asking for donations in order to continue
and provide more support. Pre-crisis Caritas
Ukraine humanitarian assistance for Ukraine
has been in the form of clothing, footwear and
other necessary items to hundreds of people
a week in Ukraine. Currently, they are on the
ground providing the Ukrainian people with
warm blankets, food, supplies and some toys.
CARE
Care is a global leader striving to end worldwide
poverty. Currently, their focus is on
Ukraine, where they are asking for donations to
reach 4 million with immediate relief. Th ey are
dedicated to helping with aid, recovery, food,
water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and
cash assistance. Th ey are prioritizing women
and girls, families, and the elderly.
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF RED
CROSS
Presently, the ICRS is working with the
Ukrainian Red Cross Society with essential
support for the Ukrainian people. Some emergency
assistance they are providing are vital
needs like food and water. Th ey are also helping
hospitals with medical equipment, repairing
water stations, and supporting separated
families. Donate here.
UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK
UJA and their partners have been on the
ground from the beginning responding to
emergency needs. Right now, priorities include:
Emergency relief in Ukraine; humanitarian
supplies in and around Ukraine; refugee aid in
neighboring countries; and facilitating aliyah.
To date, UJA has allocated $5 million in emergency
funding.
WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN
Th is is one unique organization founded
by Spanish-American chef José Andrés. Th e
WCK team and volunteers are currently serving
meals in the south of Poland near the
Ukrainian border, where they are working
with the city to provide hot meals to refugees
crossing.
SAVE THE CHILDREN
Save the Children is currently focusing on
the 7.5 million children in Ukraine who are in
danger. Th ey are providing children and families
with immediate support in food, water,
hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash
assistance.
Check out our other media outlets for other
ways to donate!
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