We are One

The invasion of Ukraine shocked me when it started. Surreal. Putin invading Ukraine in 2022 reminds me of Hitler and Stalin invading Poland in 1939. Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that nightmares in history books and black-and-white documentaries can haunt us again, and so quickly.

And yet, the world may still emerge a better place. The free world has united against a dictator and empire that has invaded and brutalized its neighbors for centuries. The cycle of russia’s invasions and subjugation of other nations must be and will be stopped.

Ukrainians have suffered unimaginably under occupation in the 20th century, and again in the 21st. They defend their home bravely because their lives depend on it. They show unbelievable bravery and heart, young and old, on and off the battlefield. They show the rest of humanity what we’re capable of achieving and, in that process, show us the future.

The invaders commit the most vile and unspeakable atrocities, in Bucha, Irpin, and throughout the lands they temporarily occupy. I did not think human beings capable of such depravity in the 21st century. I now see that darkness will always exist perhaps even within all of us, so we the human race must fight darkness and defend our values.

The invasion of Ukraine is an attack on truth, peace, liberty, and the right to self determination. It is an attack on humanity.

We are One. We are one race, the human race. Therefore, the defense of Ukraine is the defense of humanity.

Led by Ukraine in her valiant defense, humanity is on the verge of changing the course of its history. This crisis highlights the worst, and brings out the best, across the world. We may wake up, finally. We may finally release the light within us.

Ukraine’s victory will be humanity’s victory. May Ukraine stay strong and independent. May her people live free always, and suffer no more collective trauma. Let us wake up from the madness of separation, release our addiction to wars, raise our level of consciousness, and let us be One.