Author: Lee Matz

Earthquake Mission in Türkiye: Documenting vast devastation with the Turkish Red Crescent

Earthquake Mission in Türkiye: A massive earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria on February 6, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions homeless. Milwaukee Independent was invited by a team of American doctors and clergy to document conditions in the hardest hit parts of Türkiye a month later, embedded with the Turkish Red Crescent, Türk Kizilay. This special series offers a snapshot of the situation in Adiyaman and Antakya in images, with stories from first responders and survivors of the unfolding natural disaster. mkeind.com/earthquakemissionturkiye On March 16, a handful of doctors and clergy from American universities completed a weeklong review...

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One year later: Why Ukraine must fight and peace advocates should stop collaborating with Putin

“Calls for peace that suggest Ukraine should give up its territory simply to end the war will condemn Ukrainians in occupied territories to what will likely be unspeakable horrors, and will provide a precarious foundation for lasting peace.” – Oleksa Drachewych I have reflected on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over nearly each of the last 365 days of this past year. It has not faded from my attention. For the one year anniversary, the Milwaukee public may show a modest amount of interest on the morning of February 24, before returning to self-absorbed issues later in the day. I...

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Zein Barakat: A spirit of volunteerism that nurtures an abundance of compassion, love, and humility

Medical Mission to Jordan: After more than a decade of Civil War in Syria, and continuing conflicts like the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine that further displaced millions of civilians, understanding the longterm conditions that war refugees face remains relevant. But as public attention fades, such topics do not capture headlines today, even as the impact continues to be felt here in Milwaukee. mkeind.com/jordanmedicalmission Medical professionals spend many years learning, growing, and accomplishing work in their field. For those who were not born in the United States, or are from immigrant families, the path to medical school is often...

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Abrar Qureshi: Finding a “Street of Happiness” among the faded ruins of hope in Za’atari

Medical Mission to Jordan: After more than a decade of Civil War in Syria, and continuing conflicts like the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine that further displaced millions of civilians, understanding the longterm conditions that war refugees face remains relevant. But as public attention fades, such topics do not capture headlines today, even as the impact continues to be felt here in Milwaukee. mkeind.com/jordanmedicalmission Medical professionals spend many years learning, growing, and accomplishing work in their field. For those who were not born in the United States, or are from immigrant families, the path to medical school is often...

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