Please continue helping Ukraine and Israel: contact your elected officials

Those of us who live outside of Ukraine can help Ukraine by writing, calling or emailing our elected officials, urging them to continue helping Ukraine. This is critical to provide the necessary strong public support for the help that our politicians are providing Ukraine. Thank you for helping Ukraine!

Please see an example of such a letter to politicians below, as well as examples of actual replies from politicians. Feel free to use my letter as an example, but make sure to change the wording. Identical letters have much smaller impact than independently written letters. It is one of the dozens of messages I wrote to my elected officials since before Russia started the full-scale war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022 until present. I adjusted the letters as time went by and the needs of Ukraine changed. I also tried to customize the letters for each politician. It is best to keep the messages to politicians short and to the point, as well as respectful and positive. For further guidance on how to write to politicians, please listen to this TED talk: Omar Ahmad: Political change with pen and paper.

I contacted my Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Ed Markey and President Joe Biden through the submission form on their respective websites. Below is how to find their websites:

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

See the email replies from these elected officials below.

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https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Subject: Please continue helping Ukraine and Israel - updated October 19, 2023

Dear Senator Warren:

I would like to express my deep gratitude to you for your support of Ukraine and Israel at a difficult time for both countries. Thank you for your work together with the Biden administration to help Ukraine and Israel protect their civilians against the terrorist attacks of Russia and Hamas, respectively.

I wrote on September 16, 2023, asking you to continue helping Ukraine in its fight against the Russian terrorists. Since then, Ukraine continued its steady progress towards liberating its people and restoring its territories. And then the horrific Hamas attack on Israel happened.

I would like to ask you to:

* Provide Ukraine with more long range precision weapons (e.g., ATACMS), fighter jets (e.g., F-16), tanks, drones and ammunition.
* Provide military and diplomatic assistance to Israel to ensure that it can destroy Hamas and thus restore peace and stability in the region.

I am deeply grateful to you for your strong support of both Ukraine and Israel, and for helping save the lives of innocent civilians during this time of conflict!

Sincerely,

Timur Shtatland, Ph.D.

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On Tue, Oct 24, 2023 at 10:15 AM Elizabeth Warren <Elizabeth_Warren@warren.senate.gov> wrote:

Dear Timur,

Thank you for reaching out to me about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As you know, on February 24, 2022, Russian armed forces, at the direction of Vladimir Putin, launched an illegal invasion to overthrow the democratically-elected government of Ukraine. Since that invasion, President Putin has waged a brutal war against Ukraine, killing tens of thousands, including thousands of innocent civilians. Putin is wanted for war crimes, and Russia has reportedly kidnapped tens of thousands of Ukrainian children.

In August 2023, I traveled to Ukraine, where I met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top officials in Kyiv. I saw firsthand, on the eve of Ukrainian Independence Day, how the people and military of Ukraine are fully dedicated to this fight. Ukrainians are on the frontlines fighting for democracy, and we must continue to support them as they fight back against Russia’s illegal invasion.

Throughout this conflict, I have supported President Biden’s efforts to strengthen our alliances within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to present a united front against Russia’s aggression. The United States and our partners must continue to work together to hold Russia accountable. 

I continue to support the Biden Administration’s security assistance for the Ukrainian armed forces’ defensive capabilities and robust oversight to ensure that aid is not misused. I also commend President Biden’s continued use of sanctions targeting President Putin and Russian officials and entities supporting this invasion. We need to hold Putin and other Russian officials and entities accountable as we continue to support Ukraine in its fight against this aggression. This includes continuing to use diplomatic and economic tools to tighten constraints on Russia, isolate it, and prevent it from using any loopholes to evade sanctions in order to bring this conflict to an end. I introduced the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act with Senator Roger Marshall to ensure that countries like Russia are not able to use digital assets such as cryptocurrency to evade these punishing sanctions.

I will continue to support the United States’ efforts to support the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression. I appreciate your reaching out to me about this issue, and please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about issues of importance to you.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Warren
United States Senator

Washington, DC 309 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-4543

Boston, MA 2400 JFK Federal Building 15 New Sudbury Street Boston, MA 02203 Phone: 617-565-3170

Springfield, MA 1550 Main Street Suite 406 Springfield, MA 01103 Phone: 413-788-2690

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On Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 3:27 PM Congresswoman Katherine Clark <MA05KCIMA@mail.house.gov> wrote:

Dear Mr. Shtatland, Thank you for contacting me to express your thoughts regarding Hamas’s deadly assault on Israel. I appreciate you taking the time to share your position on this issue. I strongly condemn the vicious terrorist attack by Hamas against innocent civilians in Israel. The violence is appalling, and I grieve with the families in mourning and communities under siege.  This horrifying attack has touched many in our community. I have received calls from constituents worried about loved ones in Israel, and I'm actively engaged with the State Department on their behalf.  On October 13, the U.S. government began arranging charter flights to assist U.S. citizens and will provide updates to those who have filled out the Crisis Intake Form at cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake.  Additionally, U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor the Embassy in Israel’s website and social media for updates by visiting il.usembassy.gov or @usembassyjlm across social media platforms, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov/STEP, and use the Crisis Intake Form if in need of assistance.  If you or your loved ones have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 617-354-0292. I will assist you in any way that I can.  My heart breaks for the Israeli people, for the Americans killed, for the 5th District families touched by this unthinkable tragedy, and for those praying for the safe return of their loved ones.  Please know that I stand steadfast with Israel and the Jewish people, and I will keep your thoughts in mind should legislation regarding this issue be brought to the House floor for a vote. Again, thank you for voicing your concerns, and please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I may be of assistance. Also, you can stay up to date on my work for the 5th District by following me on Facebook, Twitter, and my official website. Sincerely, Katherine M. Clark Member of Congress

Mikhail Yudovsky: paintings with rain (2023)

This is a small retrospective of 15 paintings with rain from 2023 by Mikhail Yudovsky Михайло Юдовський. I have previously seen these works one-by-one, as they were originally posted. But they pack even more impact when they are viewed together in this series. Rainy streets (and water in general) is one of my favorite themes in Yudovsky's works. I know of no other artist who could better express the romantic feelings evoked by the rain, by the wet streets, by the magical reflections in the water. Yudovsky experiments with colors - from multi-colored to nearly monochromatic paintings - and creates a rainy universe that is distinctly his own. These variations on the theme of rain are true Poetry in color!

The A.I. Dilemma, deepfakes and national security

Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin, the people behind the film "The Social Dilemma", describe potential negative side effects of generative AI in the engaging talk (1 hour):

The A.I. Dilemma - March 9, 2023 - YouTube

The AI Dilemma - podcast

"Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin discuss how existing A.I. capabilities already pose catastrophic risks to a functional society, how A.I. companies are caught in a race to deploy as quickly as possible without adequate safety measures, and what it would mean to upgrade our institutions to a post-A.I. world."

...and these side effects already started appearing:

Reality wars: Deepfakes and national security | NPR: On Point, June 07, 2023

Includes a story how Bill Browder, a prominent Kremlin critic, became the victim of a deepfake hoax, after being invited to a Zoom call allegedly with Petro Poroshenko, former President of Ukraine.

Please continue helping Ukraine: contact your elected officials!

Those of us who live outside of Ukraine can help Ukraine by writing, calling or emailing our elected officials, urging them to continue helping Ukraine. This is critical to provide the necessary strong public support for the help that our politicians are providing Ukraine. Thank you for helping Ukraine!

Please see an example of such a letter to politicians below, as well as examples of actual replies from politicians. It is one of the dozens of messages I wrote to my elected officials since before Russia started the full-scale war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022 until present. I adjusted the letters as time went by and the needs of Ukraine changed. I also tried to customize the letters for each politician. It is best to keep the messages to politicians short and to the point, as well as respectful and positive. For further guidance on how to write to politicians, please listen to this TED talk: Omar Ahmad: Political change with pen and paper.

I contacted my Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Ed Markey and President Joe Biden through the submission form on their respective websites. Below is how to find their websites:

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

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April 9, 2023

Subject: Please help Ukraine!

Dear Congresswoman Clark:

I would like to thank you for your unwavering support of Ukraine! Please continue your work with the Biden administration in helping alleviate the suffering of civilians in Ukraine.

I wrote on December 17, 2022, providing recommendations for US policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Since then, the conflict continued, with Ukraine poised to start the Spring counteroffensive, with the goal of regaining the territory illegally occupied by the Russians. There is evidence of war crimes committed by Russia on the occupied territories, such as abduction of children. I would like to ask you to:

* Continue supplying Ukraine with weapons, with the goal to regain all of its territory, including Donbas and Crimea.

* Provide Ukraine with long range MLRS (e.g., ATACMS), fighter jets (e.g., F-16), tanks and ammunition.

* Start training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 planes, in anticipation of the future developments.

* Increase sanctions on the Russian ruling elite. Seize their assets and use them for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

Thank you so much for your consideration, and for helping protect the lives of Ukrainian elderly, women and children!

Sincerely,

Timur Shtatland, Ph.D.

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Katherine M. Clark

Congress of the United States

Democratic Whip

DemocraticWhip.house.gov

Washington Office

2368 Rayburn Building

Washington, DC 20515

Phone: (202) 225-2836

FAX: (202) 226-0092

Massachusetts 5th District

KatherineClark.house.gov

District Office

157 Pleasant St., Suite 4

Malden, MA 02148

Phone: (617) 354-0292

FAX: (617) 354-1456

April 11, 2023

Dear Mr. Shtatland,

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked, illegal invasion of Ukraine. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me.

President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people continue to show extraordinary bravery in the face of Putin’s monstrous war, and it is essential that they receive sustained support from the international community as they defend their country. The consequences of this war are staggering, and I am heartbroken by the mounting loss of life and the millions of Ukrainian families forced to flee their homes. 

That is why I am working with the Biden Administration and my colleagues in Congress to deliver robust humanitarian, economic, and military aid to Ukraine; hold Putin’s authoritarian regime accountable for its horrific acts of aggression; and end this war as quickly as possible. Nobody, especially the people of Ukraine, wants to see this conflict spiral further out of control, which is why our efforts must be centered on bringing it to an end. 

Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, America and our allies across the globe are united against Putin’s cruelty and have taken strong, coordinated steps to end the conflict – imposing historic sanctions against Russia and mobilizing vital assistance to the people of Ukraine. 

Congress has been a key partner in these global efforts, and I am proud to have voted in support of multiple aid packages to Ukraine – helping to bolster its defenses and provide food, medicine, and shelter to millions of displaced civilians. Moreover, I have voted for legislation to isolate Russia on the global stage by banning Russian energy imports and revoking permanent normal trade relations. These important steps are increasing pressure on Putin and draining resources from his war machine. 

The families impacted by this devastating war must be treated with compassion, which is why President Biden has committed to welcoming 100,000 Ukrainian refugees into the United States. I have also proudly commended the Administration’s decision to grant temporary protected status to Ukrainians as well as its support for our Eastern European allies as they continue to offer refuge. 

Please know that I will continue to do everything I can to support the people of Ukraine and help bring a swift end to this war, and I will keep your thoughts in mind should legislation regarding this issue be brought back to the House floor for a vote.

Again, thank you for voicing your concerns, and please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I may be of assistance. Also, you can stay up to date on my work for the 5th District by following me on Facebook, Twitter, and my official website.

Sincerely,

Katherine M. Clark

Member of Congress

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EDWARD J. MARKEY

MASSACHUSETTS                                                       

255 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING

WASHINGTON, DC 20510

(202) 224-2742

                 

United States Senate

April 19, 2023

Dear Timur:

Thank you for contacting me regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

Since the Russian military invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians have fled the country, while those still in Ukraine are suffering through the most extreme privations, including lack of access to food, water, electricity, and shelter adequate to protect them from the relentless Russian assault. The United States and our European allies have responded with unity and are supporting Ukraine with economic and military aid, as well as humanitarian assistance.

While we must continue to provide unwavering support for Ukraine and our NATO allies in Europe, we must also push for a diplomatic resolution, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s repeated rejection of opportunities to compromise proposed by the Biden administration, NATO, and Ukraine. Together with our allies and partners, the United States has imposed historic sanctions to pressure Putin to end this unjust war.

Ending the war in Ukraine means ending our dependence on Russian oil. That is why I introduced the Severing Putin’s Immense Gains from Oil Transfers (SPIGOT) Act, legislation to prohibit the importation of Russian oil and petroleum products into the United States. Additionally, I support President Biden’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Ukrainians who will be unable to safely return to their homes. I applaud the President’s decision to welcome 100,000 Ukrainian refugees to the United States.

Finally, I introduced the Non-Recognition of Russian Annexation of Ukrainian Territory Act, legislation that would ensure U.S. policy never recognizes any Russian claim of sovereignty over Ukraine.

My heart is with the people of Ukraine as they endure an illegal violation of their sovereignty by Russia. As Congress considers proposals in the 118th Congress related to Ukraine, I will keep your thoughts and outreach in mind and continue to advocate for peace and the security for all Ukrainians.

I appreciate your contacting me about this issue. If my office can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out again. To sign up for my newsletter, visit www.markey.senate.gov/newsletter. You can also follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Sincerely,

Edward J. Markey

United States Senator

Help the Children of Ukrainian Refugees

Dear friends! I am raising funds to help the children of Ukrainian refugees. The help is provided by Anna Shumeyko, a psychotherapist and psychologist with 20 years of experience working with adults and kids. Anna is leading sessions in art therapy and body psychotherapy that help restore mental health of children traumatized by the war. I am raising funds for rent and supplies for the therapy sessions. One hundred percent of the funds go toward organizing the therapy sessions for the children - we have no overhead. Our goal is to raise $6800 for one therapeutic course for two age groups of 10 children each, 20 children altogether (rent for 1 year: $6000, supplies: $800). Huge thanks to everyone who has donated already! We are one third of the way there. I have known Anna Shumeyko for more than 30 years. Anna is a world class professional from Ukraine with unique experience and education in Ukraine and Switzerland. The families of refugees come from Mariupol, Kharkiv, Dnipro and Luhansk, and now live in Basel, Switzerland. Many of them escaped shelling and missile attacks, and all children were separated from their fathers. During therapy sessions, body tension is relieved through movement and games, and positive communication is established between adults and kids. Negative experience and images are processed and transformed with art using chalk, pencils, crayons and paints, as well as with different sensorial games. I will be very grateful for donations via PayPal: tshtatland@gmail.com

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Дорогие друзья! Я собираю средства для помощи детям украинских беженцев. Детям помогает Анна Шумейко, терапевт и психолог с 20-летним опытом работы с детьми и взрослыми. Анна ведет занятия по арт-терапии и телесно-ориентированной терапии, восстанавливающие психику детей, которые травмированы войной. Я собираю деньги на аренду помещения и материалы для занятий. Сто процентов денег идут на организацию занятий для детей - накладных расходов у нас нет. Наша цель - собрать $6800 на 1 терапевтический курс для двух возрастных групп из 10 детей, 20 детей всего (аренда на год: $6000, материалы для занятий: $800). Большое спасибо всем, кто уже откликнулся. Мы уже собрали треть всей суммы денег! Я знаю Анну Шумейко больше 30 лет. Анна - первоклассный профессионал из Украины с уникальным опытом и образованием в Украине и Швейцарии. Семьи беженцев приехали из Мариуполя, Харькова, Днепра и Луганска и живут в Базеле, Швейцария. Многие бежали из-под обстрелов, все дети разлучены войной с отцами. На занятиях терапией снимается напряжение в теле через подвижные игры, налаживается положительная коммуникация с детьми и взрослыми. Трансформируется отрицательный опыт и образы в ресурсные, используя разные упражнения рисования мелками, карандашами и красками, и различные сенсорные игры. Я буду очень благодарен за помощь в любом размере по PayPal: tshtatland@gmail.com

Ukraine charities

How to help Ukrainian civilians suffering one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of the century? 

Last updated December 4, 2023

There are many ways you can help.

Charities run by friends:

Igor Lubashev (Massachusetts, USA) is raising money for lifesaving equipment for Ukraine as well as for the equipment for Ukrainian children’s education in orphanages and refugee settlements:

Here is the info from his GuFundMe page: 

Fundraiser by Igor Lubashev : Kharkiv Resilience Fund:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/kharkiv-strong

I am happy to share our latest project.

Hundreds of children in orphanages and refugee settlements have been displaced by the war and are missing school and other learning opportunities. Worry about their children’s education is one of the very top concerns of the families in refugee settlements — this is one of very few things they can actually control. There are Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking volunteers around the world who are interested to teach the children remotely, but there are very few laptops where the children are.

We have partnered with Earthlings Hub, Kiddo Byte Ukraine, and Ukraine Rescue Fund to send 100 Chromebooks and 120 headsets to the orphanages and refugee centers to allow the children a chance to learn.

Our Chromebooks have been delivered to children in Lviv, Kryvyi Rih, Chernivtsi, and Vinnytsia! Hurrah!

P.S. In the works is delivery of 3000 donated science kits to Ukraine -- the word about us being able to get these projects done gets around. We are happy to help!

P.P.S. We are still helping with our original projects like procuring and delivering fabrics, Velcro-like tape, and webbing for vests and other lifesaving equipment.

Timur Shtatland (2022) "The Riesling Drinker"

 Timur Shtatland (2022) "The Riesling Drinker" is dated to the artist's Stoneham period. It is variously known as "The COVID Test Taker", "To Drink or Not to Drink", and "A Second Thought Caused by the COVID Test a Moment Before the Timer Is up". It is inspired by Pablo Picasso's "The Absinthe Drinker", which, in turn, is dated to *that* artist's Purple Period (located between the Light Pink Period and the Blue Period). Precious little is known about this oeuvre, although one can read more about Riesling itself on the back of wine bottles. A timely gift by generous benefactors may have preceded, or, indeed, precipitated, the creation of this work.