I visited Ukraine twice. The first time was when I was five years old, mostly in the country side and in some magical historic towns like Chernihiv, Nizhyn and Kozelets. I also spent one day in Kyiv, which left me very strong and fond memories of open blue skies, tasty ice cream, and lovely city squares. The most importantly thing happened during that visit, however, was that I saw and heard the Ukrainian language, and I immensely enjoyed spotting the differences between it and my native Russian. I was then that decided that when I grow up, I want to work with languages in some way. After many years that little dream came true, so Ukraine has a very, very, very special place in my heart.
I am saddened and shocked to see fire, chaos, destruction, violence and death on the beautiful streets and squares that I visited less than two years ago.
My dear friends in Ukraine, you are cool people and excellent Wikimedians. Know that I care about you and wish you peace and freedom. Please be safe; I trust you to do the right thing.
-- Amir Elisha Aharoni · אָמִיר אֱלִישָׁע אַהֲרוֹנִי http://aharoni.wordpress.com “We're living in pieces, I want to live in peace.” – T. Moore
2014-02-20 17:25 GMT+04:00 Tomasz W. Kozlowski tomasz@twkozlowski.net:
The BBC reports that at least 22 people have died today in Kiev, Ukraine, as result of the violent clashes between the opposition and the government forces.
I have briefly visited Maidan Nezalezhnosti in March 2012 on my way to a Wiki Loves Monuments workshop; the city of Kiev and the square itself were beautiful, and it is absolutely terrible to witness the events that are happening there now.
My thoughts are with Wikimedia Ukraine, which I know has at least a few members living in the city of Kiev, and with other Wikimedia contributors living in that city, as well as in the rest of Ukraine.
Please let us know if everyone is safe, and if there is any way we can help you.
Stay safe! Залишайтеся в безпеці!
Tomasz
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