Crowd gathers in park in Elmhurst for celebration of Ukrainian culture, show of support
ELMHURST, Ill. (CBS) – Dozens of supporters got together in Elmhurst Wednesday evening to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
The evening in Wilder Park was a celebration of Ukrainian music and culture with speakers who gave unique perspectives of the war-torn country. As CBS 2's Jackie Kostek reported, the City of Elmhurst hopes to inspire people not just to come together, but to take action.
"We all wonder how we can show our support and what we can do to help," said Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin.
And Elmhurst stood up for the people of Ukraine Wednesday night.
"They all care about each other and respect everyone," said Ksenia Levskovych, 11, who sang the Ukrainian National Anthem. "We have really beautiful hills. I've visited them."
Ksenia is a first-generation Ukrainian American. Since Russia invaded her family's homeland, her parents have tried to shield her from images of war.
Still, she wonders: "Why did Putin have to do this? There's no meaning to it. We haven't really done anything. We're just people."
Some Ukrainians now taking refuge in Elmhurst. Mariia Teslia and her mother, Larysa, arrived in the United States March 10 after fleeing Kviv.
While they're staying with Mariia's sister, the family remains torn.
"Their father, Larysa's husband is still in Kviv because they're not letting men out of the country," said their interpreter, Svetlana. "They're supposed to take up arms and fight."
A photo from a trip to the Dominican Republic taken just last November shows the family together - relaxed and happy. Now, that sense has been replaced by inescapable pain, fear, and anxiety.
"They just found out that Luisa's brother's nephew was killed," said Svetlana. "He was killed a month ago but they just found out yesterday."
But for Wednesday night, there was music - words of hope for a return to peace.
"Just hope for life," said X. "We want to see our relatives. We want to see our relatives who stayed behind in Ukraine. We want them all to live."
Mayor Levin said earlier that this evening was not just meant to be about bringing people together, but finding ways to give. The city of Elmhurst has put together a list of ways you can help Ukrainian people - either by donating money or other resources or even by opening your home to refugees. That's all online now at the <a href="https://elmhurst.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2245" target="_blank">Elmhurst city website</a>.
You can help take care of millions of Ukrainians displaced by the war. The Illinois Broadcasters Association and CBS 2 are coming together with UNICEF to help those in need in Ukraine.
Visit unicefusa.org/illinois to learn more about how you can make a difference.