Exhibition Moves to State Capitol Monday and Tuesday

A photography exhibition that premiered Friday at the Ukrainian National Home in Hartford as part of a commemorative community gathering marking one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine moves to the Connecticut State Capitol on Monday and Tuesday, February 27 and 28.

The exhibition, by Ukrainian photographer Dasha Tenditna, features children who have been injured or orphaned during the war. The facility housing the children, City of Goodness, is in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, and has been expanding to meet the rapidly increasing number of children in need of shelter and medical care.

“A year ago my life changed completely, as many other Ukrainian families. No one prepares you to live during the war, no one teaches you how to deal with it,” explains Tenditna. “My camera helps me. My mission as a photographer is to attract attention to difficult topics. I believe that my photographs can tell stories. Real stories of innocent children.”

Funds now being raised by the Community Help organization, an associated program of the Polish American Foundation of Connecticut, will be directed to support construction of a rehabilitation center at City of Goodness for children struggling with illness and injuries.

Hearts for Ukraine, the theme of Friday’s program, brought together members of Connecticut’s Ukrainian community and those in support of Ukraine as the nation’s fight for survival enters a second year. It was organized by Community Help and was attended by elected officials, organization leaders, and the public.

“It’s so important because there is more to be done, to support the people of Ukraine, especially the children,” said Anna Kobylarz, President of Community Help. “We are raising funds for construction of a rehabilitation center to enable children to get treatment now, rather than waiting until it is too late.” Funds raised previously helped to support construction of a bomb shelter at the City of Goodness, to help protect the children.

“For one year, the world has witnessed the remarkable fortitude and strength of the Ukrainian people. Today, we honor their fight and grieve the unspeakable loss caused by the Russian attack. In Connecticut, we stand in solidarity with our neighbors and friends and continue to pray

for peace.” said U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes of Connecticut’s 5th District, speaking at the Friday program, “Hearts for Ukraine: A Community Gathering of Reflection, Remembrance and Resolve.”

“Today, tomorrow, and forever. We stand with the people of Ukraine and what they have fought for,” added U.S. Representative John Larson (D-1st District) during his remarks at the commemorative event.

“This past year, the Ukrainian people have been faced with unthinkable and unrelinquishing tragedy,” said Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “They have been displaced from their homes, lost loved ones, and seen their homeland crumble before their eyes. Despite their hardships, they have shown the world their strength, courage, and resolve.”

Among those also participating in Friday’s event were Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, Connecticut Deputy Secretary of the State Jacqueline Kozin, Polish American Foundation of Connecticut President Andre Blaszczynski, Peter Glutch of the Ukrainian National Home, and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

“In the year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I have been deeply inspired by the resilience and unbreakable spirit of the vibrant Ukrainian American community here in our state,” Blumenthal said. “It is an honor to stand beside this community advocating for steadfast support and aid to Ukraine. I have traveled to Kyiv three times over the past year, meeting with President bravely in the face of brutality. Ukraine is fighting our fight – the fight for democracy and the fight for freedom. America and our allies must seize this moment to provide the arms and humanitarian aid Ukraine needs to win this war.”

The Friday program included a candle lighting vigil, along with a moment of silence to remember the lives tragically lost since the start of the war a year ago. Friday evening, a fundraising event was held at the Belvedere Restaurant in New Britain in support of plans for construction of the rehabilitation center at the City of Goodness.

Bysiewicz noted that “As a Polish American, I know well how Russian despots have tried to deprive the Polish people of their hard-fought freedom and democracy. I have been proud to be part of the Polish community in Connecticut that has supported humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.”