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."
Eleven-year-old Hassan had only a passport and a phone number written on his hand when he set out from Ukraine, but that was enough to carry him 600 miles into Slovakia.
His family had been living in Zaporizhzhia, near a nuclear plant that came under attack, and his mother, Yulia Pisetskaya, had to make an impossible choice. She put her son on a train and hoped volunteers on the other side would help him find safety.
What happened next turned a terrifying escape into a reunion story people could not stop sharing.
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
That was only the beginning of the family's long road back to each other.
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
Then came the part everyone had been waiting for.
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.
Some reunions arrive with relief, but they still carry the weight of everything that came before.
For another desperate escape, read how a travel blogger in Kuwait said the US government left her without help.
