We Stand With Ukraine E-Book

• Herausgeber: Mercier Press
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 79

Beschreibung

Uncover the inspiring stories of bravery and activism in the face of war with this powerful collection of essays and poems. Written by the front-line protestors at the Russian Embassy in Dublin, this book takes you on a journey of hope and courage as fifty determined individuals come together to stand against Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. They show their unwavering commitment to a better world through peaceful protests and daily pickets. Dive into their personal stories as they open up their hearts and share their experiences, illuminating the true meaning of human solidarity and the importance of taking action. Be moved and inspired by their bravery, and discover the power of the human spirit to make a difference in the world. All royalties from the sale of the Anthology will be donated to Ukrainian Action, a not-for-profit organisation registered in Ireland (CRO #718898), whose aim is to help Ukrainians in need and foster Irish-Ukrainian friendship. 'I recommend this Anthology to anyone interested in or concerned about democracy, justice, and the right to demonstrate and protest.' Gerasko Larysa - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Ireland 'This is a beautiful and moving collection bursting with solidarity and compassion for the people of Ukraine.' Roisin Ingle - Journalist 'This anthology represents a powerful expression of Ireland's solidarity with Ukraine and its people.' Peter Sheridan – Playwright, Director and Author

Leseprobe

Endorsements

This moving and eloquent collection of prose and poetry is a testament to the desire and ability of ordinary Irish people to express solidarity with Ukraine’s suffering as a result of a Russian fascist invasion. Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it. The people represented in this admirable anthology have not forgotten.

Catriona Crowe – Archivist and Broadcaster

A welcome collection of insightful and moving thoughts; prose, poetry and reportage, from selfless and committed people who are out there, day after day doing something (to borrow a phrase from one of the pieces) at a time when it is important to act, make your voice heard, agitate, rather than sit back and watch events unfold and get worse.

Aidan Gillen– Actor

In Ireland we love the underdog. The reason is that for a very long time we were the underdog. We know what it is to be bullied and we know what it is to resist. We stood up against a great empire just as Ukraine is doing now. I am really heartened by the great humanity, compassion and concern displayed by the contributors to this anthology. It represents a powerful expression of Ireland’s solidarity with Ukraine and its people.

Peter Sheridan – Playwright, Director and Author

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© Individual Contributors 2023

ISBN: 978-1-78117-835-5

978-1-78117-836-2 (Ebook)

A CIP record for this title is available from the British Library.

This eBook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorised distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s and publisher’s rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

This anthology is dedicated to the people of Ukraine for their heroic courage and resistance in the face of Russian aggression and to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his unflinching and unshakeable leadership of his country and people.

The anthology also recognises and remembers the many victims of this war:

The Bereaved

The Displaced

The Dispossessed

The Maimed

The Missing

The Murdered

The Raped

The Survivors

The Tortured

The Trafficked

The Traumatised

The Wounded

Slava Ukraini!

Introduction

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was a very significant moment in European history. Throughout the world, Russian embassies became the locus and focus of protest and demonstration. The Russian embassy in Dublin was no different. Large crowds gathered outside to chant and shout opposition to Russia’s criminal and unprovoked invasion.

Though the protests in Ireland declined in size, a small group of protesters maintained their presence outside the Russian embassy compound on Orwell Road, Dublin 14. The group of up to fifty individuals from diverse backgrounds continue to demonstrate and hold aloft the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine.

After some months, an idea emerged to compile an anthology of written reflections by group members, to try and capture their individual motivations for the continued protest. It would hopefully, like the protest itself, act as support to Ukraine and its people in their struggle against Putin’s regime, and also support Russian people protesting against the war, those who know the invasion is unjust but cannot speak the truth.

While some on the protest declined to contribute for personal reasons, this anthology contains prose and verse from thirty-four group members, written at various stages since the full-scale invasion began, the contributors preferring to use only their first names. One of the group, Declan Reid, has documented the protest with a camera and most of the photographs reproduced here are his.

We, the editors, are grateful to Mary Feehan and all at Mercier Press. All royalties from the sale of the anthology will be donated to Ukrainian Action, a not-for-profit organisation registered in Ireland (CRO #718898), whose aim is to help Ukrainians in need and foster Irish-Ukrainian friendship.

The residents of Orwell Road are deserving of acknowledgement for their understanding and tolerance of the presence of the protesters. Similarly, we acknowledge the professional manner in which gardaí have conducted themselves while on duty outside the embassy, having regard to the, at times, fraught and emotional nature of the protest.

John Farrelly, Helen Dwyer

and Julian Vignoles

Foreword

I am struck by the empathy, understanding and genuine concern for Ukraine and its people displayed in the individual pieces of poetry and prose contained in this anthology. Ukraine is at a critical juncture in its history and the support and understanding of free citizens throughout the world is very much needed and appreciated. I commend the core group of protesters for compiling We Stand with Ukraine and for continuing their protest outside the embassy of the Russian Federation on Orwell Road, Dublin 14.

The protest has been ongoing since the invasion began and is undertaken by a core group of very committed Irish citizens and residents. We Stand with Ukraine – An anthology of Poetry, Prose and Protest captures in very graphic and personal ways the motivations, feelings and thoughts of the members of the protesting group.

The criminal and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, on 24 February 2022, marks a pivotal moment in the struggle between the forces of autocracy and the forces of democracy. The transgression of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence by the military machine of Vladimir Putin’s regime provoked heart-felt sympathy and support for Ukraine and its beleaguered people. The proffered sympathy and support took many forms: sanctions against the Russian Federation, the supplying of arms and military equipment to Ukraine, the offer of accommodation to Ukrainian families fleeing the war, humanitarian and medical aid. In many countries people raised their voices in condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine and demonstrated publicly against the illegal act. In Ireland demonstrations and protests were held with many thousands of people in attendance.

I recommend this anthology to anyone interested in or concerned about democracy, justice, and the right to demonstrate and protest. On my own behalf and on behalf of all Ukrainians, especially the Ukrainian community in Ireland, I salute the committed band of protesters who continue to freely demonstrate on Orwell Road.

Gerasko Larysa

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Ireland

Seasons – Orwell Road

Barry (pacifist)

I’ve watched green leaves sprout

Turn yellow, brown and fall

Wind rain, sun and all

Cars, people, dogs and bikes

Smiles, waves, fingers and beeps

Still this senseless war rages on

Bearing Witness

Terry (retired public servant)

My late mother was born on 24 February. Every year, on that day, I bring the first of the spring planters to my parents’ and grandparents’ graves. This was the plan for 24 February 2022. Then I heard the 6 a.m. news on RTÉ radio and cried for the people of Ukraine. I made coffee and wrote to the Ukrainian embassy expressing my sorrow and support. I was definitely in shock.

I did put the flowers on the graves that day. And I cried again, not for the loss of my parents, but for the people of Ukraine. It was a grey, cold, drizzly day. Later, I walked up to the Russian embassy, a place I have passed on walks for thirty years. There were people standing around outside. Sad, shocked and fearful people. I stood with them.

I went up to the embassy repeatedly and found myself standing outside it with a band of people. I crocheted a Ukrainian flag and placed it in my porch.

I placed the yellow and blue ribbon on my coat; it’s still there. I repeatedly asked fellow protesters ‘How will this all end?’ I had to stop watching the news because it affected an already bad sleep pattern. The constant theme of conversations outside the embassy was ‘there is so little we can do, but we have to do something’.

More than twelve months on and I still stand outside the Russian embassy. In my case, I stand in silence. I stand with a simple blue and yellow flag. I stand in witness for the atrocities committed by the Russians against the women and children, old, disabled, sick people and also animals. There is little else I can do. I donate but I believe protest is necessary. My way of protesting is silent. I am not a by-stander. I am a witness.

When I walk up the road, I feel relieved to find other like-minded people are still there, protesting, witnessing. I will continue for as long as I have the health and strength to do it. I pray for peace but know that Putin cannot be trusted and I leave resolution to the Ukrainian people, whose blood has been shed in defence of their sovereign, democratic state.

The Voice

Brendan (Rathgar resident, sportsman, engineer)

Six months into Russia’s war on Ukraine, standing alone outside the embassy of the Russian Federation, holding a Ukrainian flag as the city awakes, and thoughts turn to the feelings of a runner on his or her maiden marathon.