“Unfortunately, it is in human nature to allow evil to mature, to stand up against humanity. It then destroys and kills. It launches aggression and breaks people’s lives. You and us have already fought together against such great evil. You and us already have the experience of defeating the evil that is generated by human nature. I’m not saying there will be no more wars after the war ends. No. It is impossible to completely erase evil from human nature. Yet it is within our power to guarantee with words and deeds that the light side of human nature will prevail” (Zelensky’s address to the British Parliament, February 8, 2023).

If I were Zelensky, this is what I imagine I would say…

I see you.

The light in your eyes.

Your soul knows rest.

You have no fear.

You wear compassion for my country like a flag and embrace us with open arms and kind words.

I thank you for that.

Now, if you would but listen…

Do not fear the unknown. Do not fear what the West calls them—the refugees—or assume that all refugees from Muslim regions of the world are violent rapists and terrorists. They are families—mothers, fathers, children. They are you, they are me, inhabiting the same home as all of us.