Ukraine Matters

During our walk this past Saturday we ended up close to the Beverly Hills Garden Park. It’s a public park, diagonally across Santa Monica Blvd from the City Hall and Police Department, with a large garden area and a big “Beverly Hills” -sign for photo ops & selfies.

Something very different was going on there this time, though. We heard the commotion already from a couple of blocks away, and as we got closer it became clear that the crowds were gathering for a pro-Ukraine demonstration.

As the demonstrators got going, they marched along Rodeo Drive towards Wilshire Blvd, passing by the posh boutiques, art galleries, restaurants…The contrast of the environment and the cause they were demonstrating for was palpable.

People carried Ukraine and USA flags, as well as signs with key messages, including “Ukrainian kids don’t deserve it”, “Russia kills, Ukraine defends”, which also became their rallying cry.

Along the way, they were passing fliers to supporters, observers with instructions on how they can contact their members of congress and the White House, or make donations, to help Ukraine.

Someone wore a t-shirt with a slogan that became my favorite “be the reason someone believes in good people”. That’s who I want to be.