Jakob Eiseman, Editor-in-Chief
Header Image: CEPA
Editor’s note: If you are reading this the morning of March 3, 2022, there is a faculty session being held by the political science and history departments at 12:30 p.m. that will provide some more context to the Lasallian community on Russia’s goals in Ukraine and how other nations have responded to their invasion. More details can be found here.
In the global Lasallian community, March is known as Mission and Heritage month, and in a note to the university community, Brother Ernest Miller explained what this means for La Salle University. Within this letter, he quoted the very poignant line from Lasallian Reflection Six, “The Lasallian vision is seeing abundance where others see scarcity and bringing nourishment where there is none.” While Miller’s letter was setting up the community for a very important time for the university that includes the Day of Giving and other university-centric events related to the mission, this quote stood out to me particularly in relation to the situation the global community finds itself in. The war in Ukraine is difficult to unpack, and we have covered it in-depth in our politics section and will continue to cover it as more developments progress. But, I think it is particularly important that we take this time to realize that as a Lasallian community, it is our duty and our mission to support those in need, especially those in Ukraine who are in many cases losing everything.
Interim President Tim O’Shaughnessy addressed the university community about Ukraine on Feb. 25, and the sentiment was well heard. “Together and by association, we must unite in prayer,” said O’Shaughnessy, “lifting up those who are directly impacted by these traumatic acts of aggression and calling for an immediate end to this invasion of Ukraine.” This was what this address centered around: prayer. Yes, we are a Catholic institution, and the Brothers of the Christian Schools are a deeply religious organization. However, we need to do more than pray. Many members of our Lasallian community are not prayerful individuals or even religious at all. The mission of the brothers, and of St. John Baptiste De La Salle, however, goes beyond religion and prayer. The desire to want to help others and support the needy through education and mission is not exclusively a religious desire, and we need to acknowledge that there are ways for us to help outside of thoughts and prayers. And, whether you are religious or not, by entering into the Lasallian community, you chose to be a part of a group that makes helping others their main personality trait.
There are several ways to help the cause in Ukraine from 20th and Olney, including several ways that do not involve any monetary contribution. The group that falls most in line with the Lasallaian mission is refugees that have fled the war-torn nation that are seeking shelter, not just in neighboring countries like Poland, Romania and Germany, but globally, including right here in Philadelphia as families of Ukrainian descent open their doors to relatives forced to flee their homes. However, the standing military and current large influx of enlistments in the Ukrainian military need financial help in any way they can receive it. We will be providing some options to support medical foundations and the providing of medical aid for soldiers defending their homeland. Below, you will find a list of several charities and foundations with a small description of who they are and how supporting them will benefit Ukrainian refugees, civilians and soldiers:
“Revived Soldiers Ukraine is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid to the people of Ukraine so that they may fulfill fundamental rights and freedoms such as right to life, right to appropriate and affordable medical care, freedom of belief and freedom for an adequate standard of living.” Money donated to RSU will go directly to medical aid and living supplies to soldiers in Ukraine.
Razom means “together” in Ukrainian, and was established as a non-profit seeking to “unlock the potential of Ukraine.” Since the 2014 invasion of Crimea by Russia, Razom has been supporting refugees and volunteer groups to better the lives of those whose lives were upended by Russia. Now, they have been continuing this mission by assisting families who are choosing to stay in Ukraine, as well as those that were forced to flee.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was created in 1946 as an effort from the U.N. to assist children who were orphaned, injured or displaced as a result of World War II. UNICEF is the leading children’s aid charity in the world, and in 1965 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Any money donated to UNICEF will go toward supporting children across the world, with a particular campaign being put forth right now to help youth in Ukraine.
Doctors Without Borders is a world renowned non-profit that provides medical assistance to those in war-torn nations across the world. Currently, the organization has a special effort in Ukraine in which they are setting up emergency response teams in Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia in order to assist refugees.
Non-monetary aid
Obviously these organizations are currently in need of money, and this is the most effective way to support them. But, alongside praying and educating yourself on the situation, sharing any fundraising effort on social media will put eyes on it that were not there before. Any of the organizations listed above are good ones to share to your stories or pages, and here is a list of some others you may want to get behind. Also on social media, there are posts going up every minute containing misinformation or blatant propaganda related to this situation. Rather than just ignore this or the infamous “Russian bots,” if you see something, say something. Use Twitter, Instagram, Reddit and other sources to your advantage by educating others in the comments and using the built in reporting system to eliminate misinformation. Always follow trusted sources, and be sure to verify reports regarding developments in Ukraine from multiple sources before sharing it to social media. I know not everyone can contribute financially, but we also know it may seem frustrating to feel like you cannot help in any way. But, we as a community can contribute to aid efforts like Ukraine aid through the transfer of knowledge, which is just as important as funds when done properly. Everyone can contribute in some small way, and this is your charge to do so. Live up to the La Salle name. Help Ukraine.
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