Hundreds Gather On LI For Peace Vigil In Support Of Ukraine

OYSTER BAY, NY — Hundreds of people gathered in Lattingtown Tuesday night to pray for war-ravaged Ukraine.

The candlelight vigil was held outside St. Josaphat's Monastery and featured a quiet reflection, religious readings, and a community call for peace. Donations of supplies were also collected at the event and will be shipped overseas, including personal hygiene and medical products.

"We stand united to spread a message of hope, sorrow, and peace to the world as an unimaginable and horrific war unfolds in Ukraine," said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, who hosted the event, along with members of the Town Board. "Our vigil is symbolic of our resolve to show support and hope when times are tough. It is also an important message to our brothers, sisters, neighbors, and friends in Ukraine that they are not alone. The world stands with them."

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine late last month, unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases and sending troops and tanks from multiple directions in a move that could rewrite the world's geopolitical landscape.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who risks turning his country into an international pariah, said he authorized the pre-dawn attacks to protect people who have been "subjected to bullying and genocide" in Ukraine.

The West has dismissed Russia's accusations, with President Joe Biden calling them "baseless claims."

"Putin is the aggressor," Biden previously said. "Putin chose this war."

More than 1.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine since Russia launched an unprovoked attack on its European neighbor. On Sunday, UN refugee agency commissioner Filippo Grandi called it "the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II."

Like other communities across the globe, the Town of Oyster Bay is coordinating efforts to help Ukraine. Through March 25, residents can donate medical supplies, personal hygiene products, and non-perishable food to the Town of Oyster Bay's Humanitarian Relief Drive.

Donations can be brought to Town Hall North (54 Audrey Ave. in Oyster Bay), Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Rd. in Massapequa), or the Town Ice Skating Center (1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage) from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Town officials say residents can also make monetary donations online by visiting http://pomagam.pl/f7fpmf or https://support.crs.org/donate/donate-ukraine.