Yanks lunch with Ukrainian refugees, pen letters as HOPE week continues

NEW YORK -- Jameson Taillon and Jordan Montgomery sat shoulder-to-shoulder in a Manhattan restaurant on Wednesday morning, folding baby-blue sheets of paper in half to create a greeting cards. Reaching for a pen, the Yankees pitchers contemplated what they might say to the intended recipients, who would read these letters half a world away in war-torn Ukraine.

For those who are losing loved ones, homes and more, what could a couple of ballplayers say to make a difference? A great deal, in Adam Israel’s view, who started “Letters of Hope for Ukraine” initiative in March of this year, delivering support and encouragement to people who need it most -- an initiative that the Yankees spotlighted as HOPE Week continued Wednesday.

“It really hit home that things are still happening over there; they need attention, they still need resources and help,” Taillon said. “Writing a letter is super simple; it took me probably five minutes. But whoever is on the receiving end, it’s going a long way. You’re hearing from people who have given up their entire lives, had jobs, had to pack it up and get out of there to start over. It’s pretty emotional, but I was honored to share the table.”

The Yankees made a $10,000 donation to The Giving Circle, which will provide refugees with everyday necessities such as food, medicine, hygiene products and first aid kits. Care packages have also included bicycles, toys and crafts for displaced children in hopes of offering touches of fun and normalcy.

Since the start of Russia’s senseless invasion in February, millions of Ukrainians -- including women, children and the elderly -- have been displaced, fleeing the country and seeking refuge.

The invasion hit home for Israel, whose wife is from neighboring Poland. He recalled a program that assisted residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands after two lethal hurricanes in 2017; Israel’s home was destroyed there, and through the “Adopt a Family” organization, Israel urged for donations of everyday necessities and letters of encouragement.

He would do the same for Ukraine. Thousands of handwritten letters of support and encouragement have been delivered to Israel’s home in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., some of which included a suggested $20 donation. He has brought more than 2,500 letters in suitcases to Poland, distributed in refugee centers and train stations.

“To be honest with you, I don’t feel that I deserve to be an honoree,” Israel said. “I’m just the spearhead of a lot of people doing a lot of great things. I picked my lane, but I’m using other people’s donated cards, time and money. It’s really special just to keep the spotlight on what the Ukrainians are going through. They’re the frontline of democracy right now, and they are fighting for all of Europe.”

Infielder-outfielder Matt Carpenter and bullpen coach Mike Harkey were also on hand for Wednesday’s event at the East Village restaurant Veselka, which has been serving traditional Ukrainian food since 1954. The Yankees dined side-by-side with refugees from Ukraine, some of whom have only been in the United States for days.

They were mothers, fathers, children and grandparents, all with heartbreaking stories about catching the last flights out, knowing their nearest and dearest still may be in danger. Some spoke about sending care packages that have gone uncollected by those still in the fight, prompting them to fear the worst.

“Following it just on the news, it doesn’t really put it into perspective,” Carpenter said. “You get to actually be around the people that are affected, hear their stories and listen to the heartbreak in their voices, it just tears you apart. To be here and show them that we’re supporting them and praying for them as hard as I can, I’m hoping that this will all work itself out and they’ll be able to get back to somewhat of a normal existence.”

Hours after the Yankees lost a baseball game in the final inning, Wednesday’s experience offered a reminder that it was just that -- a game. As they sampled pierogis, borscht, chicken paprikash and smoked-cured pork sausage, the Yankees learned a new phrase from Veselka’s staff, one that they proudly recited to celebrate their new friends: “Slava Ukraini!” or “Glory to Ukraine!”

“For me, playing baseball and going through my own struggles, that’s nothing compared to what really matters in life,” Taillon said. “These people are sitting here with a smile. They’re happy they have their family, and that provides a little bit of perspective. I heard from a woman who said, just, ‘No excuses.’ She’s trying to provide the best life for her family and kids. She’s happy and healthy here. I like the ‘no excuses’ part. That hit home for me.”