Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

"What's happening in Ukraine is a crime. Russia is the aggressor, and responsibility belongs to one person: Vladimir Putin. My father is Ukrainian, my mother is Russian, and they have never been enemies. The necklace I'm wearing is a symbol that Russia needs to immediately end this fratricidal war - and that our fraternal nations might still reconcile. Unfortunately, I've worked lately at Channel One, spreading Kremlin propaganda, and I am very ashamed now for that. Ashamed that I lied on TV, ashamed that I allowed the brainwashing of Russian people. We were silent in 2014 when this all started. We didn't go out to protests when the Kremlin poisoned Navalny. We simply silently observed this anti-human regime. And now the whole world has turned away from us. Ten generations won't be enough to wash us of the shame of this fratricidal war. We, thoughtful and intelligent Russian people, have the only power to stop this madness. Go out to protests, don't be afraid. They can't put us all in prison." -- Marina Ovsyannikova, who ran onto a live state TV news broadcast in Russia, carrying a sign protesting the invasion of Ukraine, in a video message she recorded beforehand [translation thanks to Michael Druker (m_druker) -- I don't know whether the translation is his, or copied from somewhere else]

To everyone observing Ta'anit Esther,may you have an easy fast today -- and a joyous Purim tonight & tomorrow!