CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — As the U.S. watches the events of the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfold, the Elseaidy family in Cumberland County has ties to Ukraine that make the siege much more heartbreaking.
Tatiana Elseaidy, a native Ukrainian and owner of Tatiana’s Restaurant in Lower Allen Township, said seeing her home country in turmoil is upsetting.
“It’s hard to express this feeling," said Elseaidy. "It's like sadness inside me. It’s a beautiful country with nice, peaceful people. Now when I see the news and I see streets being destroyed, it breaks my heart."
Elseaidy, who once lived in Kyiv, says she's spoken to friends who still live in Ukraine and are struggling with the burdens of war.
"I offer financial help, [and] they can't receive it," said Elseaidy. "Everything is closed.”
She says many other families have been forced apart.
"I spoke with a friend of mine, [and] she says her husband drove [the family] to the border and left them and then he came back to protect his city.”
Even with all of the heartache overseas, Elseaidy says much of her hope has come from the incredible outpouring of support she’s received at the restaurant.
Customers have sent bouquets of sunflowers, the symbol for Ukraine. Others have dropped off cards, bought native Ukrainian dishes and even worn ribbons to show their solidarity.
A handmade drawing from three young boys, she says, was a complete surprise.
"I have a family come in for dinner...and they have no connection – they've never heard about Ukraine...but they were so inspired by the events going on, they just drew this right in front of my eyes," said Elseaidy.
She was overwhelmed.
"I kept this and it’s just…very emotional."
As Elseaidy and her husband carry on her Ukrainian roots through their food, she hopes that peace can one day come to her country
"Every day I think, 'I just hope everything is going to be over soon.'"