An emotional mom in Ukraine thanked customs officers who took her 11-year-old son’s hand and helped him cross the border into neighboring Slovakia.
Julia Pisecka Volodymyrivna, a Ukrainian citizen, said her young son Hasan fled the country alone with just a passport, a note from a friend, and a telephone number written on the back of his hand.
He traveled 750 miles by train to the border of neighboring Slovakia where he was met by customs officers who read the note and rang the number written on his hand.
Officials offered him warm food and drink while he waited for loved ones in Slovakia to pick him up and later paid tribute to his “smile, fearlessness and determination.”
In an emotional video recording his mom Julia thanked Slovak customs and volunteers for saving her child’s life adding that next to her town is a nuclear power plant that Russians are shooting at.
“I am a widow and I have more children. I couldn’t leave my mother, she can’t move on her own.”
Julia then paid tribute to Slovakia, saying: “People with a big heart live in your small country.”
Hasan’s siblings have also made it to the border, according to British newspaper The Sun.
The Slovakia Interior Ministry said: “The whole world has been touched by the story of this 11-year-old boy.
“He fled the war all by himself. His mom had to stay with her mom, who is immobile.
“Many took care of the boy, including police, soldiers, customs officers, volunteers and various religious or civilian organizations.
“The boy was provided with transport to Bratislava to see his family.”
The Ministry added: “He is the biggest hero. With one plastic bag, a passport and a telephone number written on his hand, he came all alone because his mom had to stay.”
Eduard Filo, of the Association of Christian Youth Communities which is helping Hasan’s family, said: “We’re looking for ways to get his mom and his disabled grandmother to safety. Hasan and his siblings are safe in Slovakia.
I cannot imagine how frightened this young boy must have been; it’s heartbreaking to think of the decisions parents are having to make in the face of war. I continue to pray for peace.
