A Christmas Thank You from Ukrainian Hearts

A Christmas Thank You from Ukrainian Hearts

Gastautorin: Natalia Spivak

Vorbemerkung / Preface

Am 24. Februar 2022 begann der Angriffskrieg des russischen Machthabers gegen die Ukraine. Kampagnenforum war in den Tagen und Wochen danach stark eingebunden, unter anderem mit dem Support des Gastfamilienprojekts sowie der Unterstützung vor Ort in der Schweiz für ankommende Schutzsuchende aus der Ukraine. 

Im Zuge dieser Arbeiten war es auch besonders wichtig, Menschen aus der Ukraine selbst zu Wort kommen zu lassen. Die Journalistin Natalia Spivak publizierte bei uns zum Thema Wie zentral die schnelle Unterstützung durch Behörden und NPO für Schutzsuchende ist - und was nun dringend nötig ist und zur Arbeit der Schweizer NPO und Behörden aus ukrainischer Perspektive. Im kommenden Jahr wird der Krieg vier Jahre andauern.

 Die Menschen in der Region - und hier in der Schweiz - sind weiter betroffen, und Unterstützung zur Hilfe vor Ort, zur Beendigung der Angriffe und für die Geflüchteten ist weiterhin nötig.  Auf die bevorstehende Weihnachtszeit hin publiziert Natalia hier ihre Gedanken zur Bedeutung dieser Unterstützung. Lesenswert!

Text: Natalia Spivak

With Gratitude to Switzerland for Help, Solidarity, and Hope

As Christmas approaches—a season of light, kindness, and reflection—we wish to extend our deepest gratitude and warmest congratulations to Switzerland, its government, its dedicated social assistance professionals, NGOs and every Swiss citizen who has stood beside Ukrainians during the most difficult chapter of our modern history.

Since February 2022, when war shattered millions of lives in Ukraine, nearly four years have passed. These years have been filled with loss, uncertainty, and pain—but also with extraordinary acts of humanity. For countless Ukrainian families forced to flee their homes, Switzerland became not only a place of safety, but a place of dignity, care, and renewed hope.

The Quiet Strength of Compassion

Across Switzerland, social assistants and public servants have worked tirelessly to support Ukrainians as they rebuilt their lives from the ground up. With patience, professionalism, and genuine empathy, they have guided families through unfamiliar systems, helped children return to education, supported adults in finding work, and provided emotional strength during moments of deep vulnerability.

Their work is not easy. It requires resilience, understanding across cultures and languages, and the emotional strength to witness trauma while continuing to offer hope. Yet, day after day, they have shown that compassion is not just a value—it is an action.

A Country That Chose Humanity

We extend our sincere thanks to the Swiss government for creating structures of protection, inclusion, and support that allowed refugees not merely to survive, but to begin living again. From access to healthcare and education to integration programs and social services, Switzerland demonstrated what it truly means to stand on the side of humanity.

Equally, we thank the Swiss people—the neighbors, volunteers, teachers, employers, and friends—who opened their hearts. Your kindness in everyday moments, your understanding, and your willingness to help made an immeasurable difference. For many Ukrainians, you restored faith in the goodness of the world.

Christmas Greetings and Heartfelt Thanks

This Christmas, we wish Switzerland joy, warmth, and continued inspiration. May your homes be filled with kindness, your hearts with love, and your future filled with the same compassion you have shown to others.

To every social assistant, civil servant, volunteer, and citizen who supported Ukrainians over these long years: thank you. You have not only offered shelter—you have offered hope. You have not only provided assistance—you have given dignity. You have not only helped people survive—you have helped them believe again.

From the bottom of Ukrainian hearts, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with health, happiness, success, and miracles.

Your humanity will never be forgotten.