BP Fossella meets local Ukrainian leaders and extends support as invasion continues

Local leaders donate Ukrainian flag to Borough Hall, ask Staten Islanders to take action in support of country’s people 

Borough President Vito J. Fossella invited local Ukrainian community leaders, members of the Staten Island religious community, and representatives from the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island today asking for ways Staten Island can help Ukrainians worldwide as the country continues to endure the Russian invasion. 

“We have seen the courage and strength of Ukrainian citizens. Despite the fact that they are fleeing these horrible circumstances, you do not see it in their faces,” said Borough President Fossella. “The vast majority are stoically walking hand in hand, with their life on their back, sometimes being separated at the border. They are showing the world what courage is all about.” 

He continued the conversation asking how Staten Islanders could help. 

“Half a million people on Staten Island want to send our voice to Washington and do everything in our power as a country to end this violent invasion. We just hope that we as Americans can do what we can to assist the people of Ukraine during this time.” 

Staten Islander Andriy Boychuk, who was born in Ukraine, was in attendance at the meeting and implored Staten Island to do what they can to show their solidarity with Ukrainians. Boychuk also donated an Ukrainian flag to Borough Hall, which is currently affixed to the exterior of the building that faces Richmond Terrace and all of Downtown Staten Island. 
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“To all people living on Staten Island, we would like to urge you to take action and not remain silent. Russia has invaded Ukraine, killing innocent civilians in the process,” said Boychuk, who also represents “Razom for Ukraine,” a U.S. based non-profit organization. “Shares on social media, tweets, dollars donated to non-profit organizations, attending rallies, discussions, and public displays of the Ukrainian flag all count and mean so much to Ukrainians all over the world. I want to thank the Borough President for the invitation and his allyship to Ukraine.” 

More details to follow on where donations can be made to support Ukraine. 

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