To the Editor:

I watch and read with great attention the coverage and reporting of the events of the war that is unfolding in Ukraine. A war that was prepared several years ago, with modern methods of war strategy and tactics.

Your reporting and the presence of the sad events of Ukraine are presented flawlessly and always in the context of respect for journalistic ethics. But let me refer to the articles and comments of A.H. Diamataris, whose journalistic pen mentions, comments, praises, and criticizes with skill and discretion as well as with extreme attention the events of the war, the disasters and the criminal acts against civilians, children, hospitals and other targets! With respect to his work, his function and his love, I would like to send you congratulations. But you will tell me that the course of his life is well-known as is his multifaceted contribution to the Greek Diaspora. I believe that my words are not excessive because “the proper thing must be done.”

Reading The National Herald incessantly we see celebrations and dinners held to celebrate national anniversaries and events. And in order not to be misunderstood, because it may not be understood, I clearly support from the bottom of my heart events honoring our cultural heritage, our national struggles of 1821, and other religious events celebrated by the Greek Diaspora.

However, at this stage, when we have sad events of war, criminal acts, disasters, famines, and all those results of the war, it will be good for the ‘Institutions’ to think about what is happening. Pompous photos do not bring substantial results. I know that everyone does what they want. But before the official dinners, let us also remember these unhappy fellow human beings who live every day in war crimes.

International diplomacy should not give up! Apart from their humanitarian rescue interventions, they had to make every sacrifice not to let the two neighboring countries reach for their weapons. Let them not give up! Although there is no white smoke on the horizon, the European Union… is meeting!

Maybe TNH should call for an all-expatriate PAUSE for those who live the brutality of war? Let us remember the situation of our Cyprus. Where are the great figures of the Earth? Where is the International Community? What is sad about what happened at that time is very fresh… And history repeats itself and, unfortunately, it evolves and bleeds in Famagusta! Where is the phrase that is written on the Statue of Liberty? Don’t the great ones see it…? Liberty for all?

Thank you for the hospitality.

Dr. Ioannis Efthymiopoulos

Former National Director of Education

Archdiocese of America

New York, NY