Someone I’d Like to Meet
We’ve found a partner who has been sending direct help into Ukraine: the Human Rights Center of Cottbus, Germany. Since May, we’ve sent them modest but heartfelt financial support. They’ve transported three truckloads of food, health supplies, and medical equipment to a children’s hospital and military hospital in Odessa, Ukraine. They’re planning to send a fourth shipment. And we intend to help.
Athens-born political scientist Sylvia Wähling has been our main contact. She retired as executive director of the center and currently serves as “manager of humanitarian efforts.” Sylvia recently reported how the third shipment included hard-to-find laparoscopic instruments, surgical pumps, and other desperately needed equipment and supplies. She sent a graphic photo, explaining, “We sent the military hospital in Odessa an ultrasound machine. The chief surgeon sent me immediately after receiving it a picture while using it. I was so happy to read that this machine helped him save the life of a wounded soldier who had been delivered to the hospital only one day before.”
WGLO partner Hinrich Müller, who recently retired as pastor in Cottbus, made our connection with Sylvia and the Human Rights Center. The center is housed in a former Nazi and Communist political prison and “is committed to helping war victims in the present.”
Funds--$28,000--are needed to purchase Granufoam and Whitefoam wound dressing kits. In late October, Sylvia added: “Yesterday the chief surgeon of the military hospital asked for 500 blankets suitable for a hospital. Today we received another urgent message. They need electrical heaters, headlamps, flashlights, lamps, and rechargeable batteries, because they have electricity for only a few hours a day. Even the military hospital is in need of electricity! How horrible! So as you see we don’t give up! We will continue our help as long as we are needed and people like you support our work!”
In an October 4, 2022, Tagesspiegel news article, Sylvia declared in a firm voice, “If at all possible, I will go to Odessa with this fourth shipment.” Now, that’s someone who’s serious. That’s someone I’d like to meet.
[We are working on raising these much-needed funds. If you would like to be a part of this effort, please see below for ways to donate.]