After a couple of years of Eids passing quietly due to the epidemic, finally, we are probably feeling safe enough to relax a little and celebrate Eid the way it should be – thanks to all the doses of vaccines and to all the people who had gotten them. However, the epidemiologists and scientists keeping a keen eye on this deadly virus and its various strains are cautiously optimistic. Their modeling is showing increasing hospitalization in the coming days due to  COVID – 19. So, while we go around in our merry ways enjoying our well-deserved freedom from this wretched COVID-19 epidemic, let's do our best to stay safe. Let’s continue to use the mask where it seems risky as the doctors are suggesting and take the booster shots whenever it is offered.  

            Now into another equally serious matter. As if the world hadn’t suffered enough during the epidemic, came the invasion of Ukraine by Russia run by autocratic Putin without any provocation. Flouting an excuse of dubious existential risk this man has brought a gory, murderous war to a neighboring sovereign country. This unwanted war spawned from the illegal invasion has already seen cities, towns, and villages partially or completely destroyed, thousands of civilian deaths, millions of refugees embracing an uncertain life, who knows for how long. Ironically, even when Ukrain is ravaged, we are told the majority of Russians are behind Putin. Politics is complicated, and often also very partisan. So, without getting into all that details one thing we should all be able to agree on is that the killing of innocent civilians and destruction of their homes and neighborhoods are neither supportable nor acceptable. While we do not know how far and how long this conflict will continue, let’s hope it ends soon and a diplomatic solution is reached.

            Wishing you all a very happy eid celebration.