Russian Seattle for FREEDOM

In his celebrated novel The Night in Lisbon, Erich Maria Remarque tells the story of Josef and Helen, a couple desperate to escape the Nazis. During an encounter in a bar, a young American casually asks why they cannot come to the United States with him. Josef explains that they have no way to obtain visas. The American offers to sponsor them and, to Josef’s surprise, keeps his promise.

Helen dies before they can leave, and Josef gives up his plan to escape to America. But the visas are not wasted: they ultimately save the lives of another desperate couple.

Today, our lives are more interconnected than ever. Russia’s war against Ukraine and political repression within Russia may seem far removed from the safety and comfort of the Greater Seattle area. Yet many people in our community have experienced war or persecution firsthand. Nearly all of us know someone — directly or through friends — whose life has been affected.

The suffer is real and close. Together we have more power to help someone than you might think.