Manhattan: We are witnessing, in real-time, terror descend over Ukraine as an authoritarian ruler marches on its young democracy. Seeing this destabilization of Eastern Europe, with its historic Jewish cities once again under fire, is particularly frightening for the American Jewish community. This violence, with its echoes of the terrifying past, coupled with our own U.S. democracy under attack from within, is overwhelming.
Peters Township, Pa.: As a member of the Jewish community, I thank God that the hostages taken at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Tex., were released and the terrorist who held them captive killed in a brilliant operation carried out by law enforcement. We cannot thank them enough for the skill and bravery they displayed and I hope that the nation will have the opportunity to recognize and honor them in a meaningful way.
Lindenhurst, L.I.: I remember an altered Thanksgiving dinner at home when I was a teenager. I heard mom announce, “Dinner is served,” from my upstairs bedroom. I came downstairs and joined her, dad and my two sisters at the dining room table.
Manhattan: Jonathan Zimmerman’s commentary “The Peace Corps and White Saviorism” (March 1) is a very cynical piece. I am a returned Peace Corps volunteer (RPCV) who served in Cameroon, West Africa, in the 1990s. Zimmerman patently ignores the principal tenets of the organization.
Melville, L.I.: I am writing about our incredible stepdad, Paul Barberio, who turned 104 on Jan. 13. After a week of not feeling well, on Jan. 31, I invited a priest friend to his apartment for an anointing and to receive Holy Communion.