As a child, I had always known about my family’s hardships; being Jews in the Soviet Union meant that struggling was guaranteed. I always felt the strength that my great-grandparents retained from surviving the Holocaust. I knew about the persistence of my grandparents in growing up under an antisemitic and communist regime. I understood the bravery my parents had to immigrate across the world to a country they were always told to hate. I could never envision myself in these seemingly inconceivable positions that my ancestors faced. Yet they all persevered and beat the odds to create a life for themselves and, therefore, me. Today, the people of Ukraine face a situation reminiscent to that my own family, and so many other families just like mine.Their strength and perseverance in defending themselves have brightened a path of understanding and inspired a newfound acknowledgement of my Ukrainian roots.

When I saw footage of Russian tanks rolling into Ukraine, a tremendous wave of guilt washed over me. I had always told others that I was just Russian for the sake of convenience, and frankly, many people didn’t even know what Ukraine was. Truth be told, I didn’t know what it meant to be Ukrainian. I felt guilty of not truly acknowledging my Ukrainian heritage, but also for the fact that the country I identified so heavily with was wreaking havoc on an independent and free nation. The war was everywhere I went; it seemed as if I couldn’t escape it, despite being over six thousand miles away. As I witnessed the bravery of the Ukrainian people through their plight, I began to ask questions, conduct research, and gain a better understanding of what it meant to be Ukrainian. 

This war was not merely confined to Ukraine; it waged within me as well. For the first time ever, I was hesitant to tell others that I was Russian. Seeing my dad’s hometown torn apart and watching President Zelensky stand his ground and defend his people, I felt motivated to explore this seemingly new aspect of my identity. I began to feel more confident in who I am and where my family truly comes from. I joined protests, rallies, seminars, and even got to speak with the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco. These desperate times not only encouraged me to stand with Ukraine but also led me down a path of self-discovery, acknowledgement and pride of my heritage 

The war in Ukraine has left a profound impact on countless lives, particularly the innocent citizens of Ukraine, who bear the brunt of Russia’s aggression and destruction. While reflecting on how the war has shaped my own identity, it's crucial to acknowledge that, even as I write these words, innocent Ukrainians continue to lose their lives daily.  As we near the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion, it is imperative that the world never neglect the plight of the Ukrainian people and continue to be steadfast in supporting them in their relentless pursuit of peace. The resilience of the Ukrainian people is a testament to their bravery and universal yearning for freedom. Just as the war helped me discover my identity, it has also illuminated the intense significance of democracy around the globe. The key to victory is clear: The world must never stop supporting Ukraine and its freedom. Слава Україні.