With the quantity approaching 5 million, the exodus of Ukrainians escaping to Poland and different European international locations was weighing on the thoughts of Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee as he vacationed in Spain. A Navy veteran with almost three many years of service, he determined to forego trip and undertake a humanitarian mission. He flew to Warsaw.
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“I used to be in a position to volunteer a few of my time,” Lee mentioned. “One of many days, I used to be on the market for about seven hours to offer out bananas, apples, water and people sorts of gadgets to those that are transiting.”
For 4 days and three nights, Lee took within the magnitude of the refugees’ plight. They had been overcome by the struggle. They had been exhausted. They had been hungry.
“I bear in mind giving a banana and a few apples and water to this previous woman, and she or he was tearing up,” Lee mentioned. “It is simply these are the issues that you just see. The human toll has taken place, very actual in entrance of your eyes.”
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He met one other girl carrying a pet who had left the southern port metropolis of Mariupol, which has been a significant goal of Russian bombings. Whereas many refugees expressed hope they are going to return to their homeland when the struggle ends, Lee expressed unhappiness that destruction has been so intensive in Mariupol that there is probably not something standing if she returns.
Even because the World Central Kitchen volunteers supplied meals, Lee noticed extra wants. He went to a neighborhood market to purchase after which donate bread and canned ham.
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At first, he was reluctant to share with ABC7 News his mission of service. He isn’t one to brag or search consideration. Nonetheless, he says the publicity to the refugee state of affairs supplied perception into the wants of those that could ultimately resettle within the Bay Space. He’s particularly involved concerning the psychological trauma of struggle, referred to as PTSD or post-traumatic stress syndrome.
“Particularly for the kids,” mentioned Lee. “They did not actually perceive plenty of what is going on on aside from the truth that Dad has to remain behind, and so they must undergo these loud bangs and bombs. So it is going to take many, a few years for them to get better.”
Lee hopes continued diplomatic efforts will affect the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.
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