11-Year-Old Boy From Ukraine Travels 600 Miles To Slovakia With Nothing But A Passport And A Phone Number Written On His Hand
"They are together, and that's all that matters."
More than 3 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia began its attack on the country in February. The war has callously uprooted the lives of millions of innocent people.
Thankfully, there have also been some touching stories that have helped restore some of our faith in humanity. Eleven-year-old Hassan's story is one of them.
Hassan recently made headlines when he fled Ukraine and traveled 600 miles to Slovakia with just a passport and a phone number written on his hand. His family had been living in Zaporizhzhia, near a nuclear plant that had come under attack from Russian forces.
Hassan's mother, Yulia Pisetskaya, was left with no other option but to put her little boy on a train headed to Slovakia, hoping that he would be safe there.
Hassan showed immense courage throughout his long journey. "The kids and the people were sitting in the hall, and everyone was talking in foreign languages, and he wasn't understanding, so that was the scariest part for him," the young boy's sister translated for him.
Hassan was met by volunteers at the Slovakian border who provided him with food, water, and some warm clothing. They were then able to contact the little boy's family via the phone number he had written on his hand.
Hassan was quickly reunited with his siblings in Slovakia, but there was still no sign of their mother.
Ministerstvo vnútra SRAt that time, Yulia was unable to leave Ukraine.
Ministerstvo vnútra SRHassan was given food, water, and warm clothing at the Slovakian border.
Ministerstvo vnútra SR
Eventually, Yulia, Hassan's grandmother, and their small dog also fled and managed to arrive safely in Slovakia.
Polícia Slovenskej republiky
"The train ride was very difficult," Yulia said.
Polícia Slovenskej republiky
"Hundreds were crammed into a single car," she explained. "But we had to escape so our family could be back together."
Polícia Slovenskej republiky
Yulia expressed her gratitude to the volunteers and customs officers who helped her son at the border. "I am grateful you have saved my child's life," she said.
Polícia Slovenskej republiky
Yulia, the grandmother, and their dog have since reunited with Hassan and his siblings.
Polícia Slovenskej republiky
They are all delighted to be back together safely.
Polícia Slovenskej republiky
The Police of the Slovak Republic shared heartwarming photos and videos of the family reuniting on their Facebook page.
Ministerstvo vnútra SR
They also explained that, sadly, this is not the first time the family has had to flee from war.
Polícia Slovenskej republiky
"Years ago, they had to unexpectedly leave Syria. Sadly, the father didn't make it," the post read.
Polícia Slovenskej republiky
"They settled with their mother in her homeland of Ukraine. A few years have passed, and they had to run again."
Polícia Slovenskej republiky
"Thankfully, this time, the war didn't take anyone away from them," the post continued.
Polícia Slovenskej republiky
"They are together, and that's all that matters."
Polícia Slovenskej republiky
The family's pup is equally as happy to be reunited with his humans!
Such a happy ending for a beautiful family.
Ministerstvo vnútra SR
It is genuinely touching to see that at least one family has a happy ending to their story. There are so many others who have not been so fortunate.
Innocent people are losing their homes and their stability, and hundreds have already lost their lives. It is heartbreaking to witness, especially when there is no way of knowing when this war will come to an end.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Ukraine and its neighboring countries. Please stay strong and be safe.
