Another Insight - Trip to Ukraine
Golda Meir, the fourth elected Prime Minister of Israel, is often remembered as an effective and resolute leader. Until very recently, I had no idea she was born in Kyiv, Ukraine. Yes, our Kyiv. Prime Minister Meir, nicknamed the Iron Lady, is known for the powerful statement, “You cannot negotiate peace with someone who has come to kill you.” I struggled to fully grasp the depth of this message, despite the fact that Music Mission Kiev (MMK) staff had been attempting to drill this concept in me for the past year. My recent trip to Ukraine in June, however, provided a new perspective that illuminated the true meaning behind the words.
I had the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of people in Kyiv. I made it a point to invite a mix of existing partners, new collaborators, or Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus members and their spouses to every lunch and dinner planned. The conversations around the meal tables were enlightening and did not disappoint.
During our discussions with business leaders, global non-profit organizations, an Orthodox priest/chaplain, singers, musicians, military insiders, and MMK staff currently living in Europe, a recurring theme emerged: the ongoing war is not merely a conflict driven by Putin, a single leader, but a manifestation of a broader Russian ideology. This ideology is committed to the total eradication of Ukrainian identity and sovereignty. The conversations reinforced Golda Meir’s quote with stark clarity. It became evident that one cannot negotiate with a conviction that seeks to annihilate an entire nation. This realization struck me deeply. I am still reflecting on how this new understanding will manifest itself and how God will lead our future efforts with the people of Ukraine whom we love and cherish so deeply.
Robin Deihl, a member of the MMK Board on the trip, shared a poignant observation. “Our first trip downtown to Independence Square was to see the memorial set up for all the people that have died as a result of the war. It was mind-numbing! Small Ukrainian flags were stuck in the ground for each deceased person. To stand there and just look at all of those flags, who knows how many, was very overwhelming. Whatever our political view of the war, these people are literally fighting to save and preserve their heritage and country.”
The picture on the left shows the pre-war green space in front of the Tchaikovsky School of Music in Independence Square. The image on the right shows the reality of war. The once-green area now populated by flags underscores the tremendous loss of human life and the continuing despair faced by Ukrainians.
On Monday, August 26th, the intensity of the conflict reached a new peak with one of the heaviest days of bombing to Ukraine’s infrastructure in recent history. The destruction reflects the ongoing struggle, as detailed in my previous writings on the severity of the current state of affairs.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 reminds us, “We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.” And, 1 John 4: 4b echoes, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
We will overcome this adversity, and I will continue to pray for guidance and strength in that spirit in the face of these paralyzing challenges! I am confident of this very thing!