An Inspiring and Thought-Provoking Experience: “How NOT to Flee a War”
As part of Refugee Week, “How NOT to Flee a War” brought together members of the community for a deeply moving and thought-provoking event at the National Holocaust Museum. Led by Jez Myers and Maria Romanenko, the event offered a powerful first-hand insight into the realities of war, displacement, resilience, and hope.
Held at the peaceful and inspiring National Holocaust Museum, the setting provided a meaningful backdrop for reflection and understanding. The atmosphere of the venue encouraged thoughtful conversations about humanity, remembrance, and the importance of compassion during times of crisis.
Through honesty, courage, and moments of humour, Maria Romanenko and Jez Myers shared their personal experiences of fleeing Ukraine during the war. Their storytelling created a deeply emotional journey for attendees, bringing moments of laughter, tears, reflection, and empathy while highlighting the human realities behind conflict and displacement.
Rather than simply recounting survival stories, the speakers presented a heartfelt and personal account of uncertainty, resilience, and strength. Their experiences reminded attendees of the human cost of war while also demonstrating the importance of hope, kindness, and community support during difficult times.
Among those attending was Subash Chellaiah, Executive Director, who described the event as both inspiring and deeply moving. Invited by Jez Myers, Subash expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend and listen to the powerful first-hand stories shared during the session.
Reflecting on the experience, Subash noted that the event was filled with emotion, thought-provoking moments, laughter, and tears, leaving a lasting impression. He praised the courage, positivity, and resilience demonstrated by Maria Romanenko and Jez Myers despite unimaginable challenges.
The event served not only as an opportunity to hear personal experiences of war and displacement, but also as a reminder of the importance of unity, compassion, and community support. “How NOT to Flee a War” left attendees with a deeper understanding of resilience and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
