LOS ANGELES (KNX) – As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, a sense of worry lingers over the community of Russian immigrants in Southern California regarding whether they’ll be linked to or even blamed for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war.
Alya Michelson, a philanthropist, recording artist, and former journalist who was born in Russia, told KNX In Depth she came to the United States 10 years ago, but the war still hits close to home.
“When Russia came to the Ukraine, I felt like I had something to do with it and I felt almost the physical pain and didn’t [sleep] for many nights,” she said. “All Russian-speaking immigrants I know were first to be vocal about their feelings and organized fundraisers to help and we united here with everyone with our desire for peace.”
Michelson said her daughter, who was born in Russia but emigrated to the U.S., is also stressed about the war.
“…[her daughter] was so stressed by all the news and people talking about Russia’s evil. Well for her Russia is me, her loving mom, you know…I talked with her and some other moms in the Russian-speaking community and we’re all concerned,” Michelson said.
She told KNX In Depth she wants to focus on spreading a message of love to Russia, not hate.
“Russians…Soviet Russians especially, have the idea that the world is against them already in their head and maybe, what I say right now may sound surprising,” she said. “What if instead of hate we’ll send them a message of hope and pray for them to see what is right and wrong.”
Listen to Michelson’s full interview in the audio above.
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