The arrival of Easter is for many of us a moment of reflection and introspection that offers the possibility of temporarily detaching ourselves from the frenzy of our days and leads us to question the most intimate and true sense of the value of this moment. Easter is a time of mutual exchange and solidarity where one cannot help but think about the situation in Ukraine, where for the second consecutive year, it will be celebrated under the deafening noise of war, in fear of a future wrapped in a seemingly endless conflict.
In Syria, the damage caused by the recent earthquake combined with the effects of 12 years of conflict is causing an indescribable economic, social and humanitarian crisis.
Although in many territories of the world, Easter is not part of the local, religious cultural calendar, we cannot ignore that while we celebrate, many will be spending this holiday navigating the dangerous migratory routes that connect Africa to Europe or trying to cross the borders that separate South and North America only to then be herded in crowded reception centres; or offered shelter in makeshift refugee camps, or dangerous Libyan detention facilities.
The rebirth of Christ represents hope and certainty that life can return from the ashes. During this Easter of resurrection, we hope that those living in such unthinkable conditions at least can find the peace they seek within their hearts.
We hope that light will illuminate the corners of this world where darkness still prevails, in forgotten territories, where communities have difficulty feeding their malnourished and sick children, where girls and women are kidnapped, raped and killed, and where people are deprived of their citizenship and the most basic of human rights.
We cannot tolerate that these injustices continue to prevail in a world of such abundance and connectivity, where everything is seemingly possible. In a world where goods and commodities have freedom of movement, but people do not due to the absence of safe and legal routes for migration. Such conditions continue to force people to live in circumstances where it is difficult to define one’s existence as “life”.
There is a need to replace hate with love, destruction with creation, and violence with solidarity between human beings.
My reflection, on the occasion of Easter, is only a small contribution intended to give a voice to those who have none and a prayer so that the bleakness of war, poverty and anger may give room to light. I invite each and every one of you to contribute, through any a small or great action, to actively and jointly contribute towards building a better world together.
Happy Easter to all of us!
Regina Catrambone, Co-founder and Director of MOAS