My name is Jurate, I was born in Kaunas, Lithuania in 1975. From 1944 until 1991 my country was occupied by the Soviet Union. Growing up behind the Iron Curtain, I had no idea of the life and opportunities I was being denied, as my upbringing seemed normal to me.

It was not until becoming a successful female business owner that I realized how suppressed my life was under the control of Communism. I believed the stories my grandma would tell me about the Gulags of Siberia, partisan deaths, and the destruction of war in my country. But to me, they were nightmares of the past that no one would have to live through again.

However, today in Ukraine millions of people are facing the terrors that haunted much of Eastern Europe for so long. Watching the Ukrainian people display such courage and love for their country has evoked my pride that we all have for our countries. The strong will for freedom of Lithuanian people is what shaped every aspect of my life. The ability to choose my life path would not have been possible if Lithuanians had not fought for their freedom and democracy. 30 years ago, we faced the same evil that Ukrainians are facing today.

My family and I, along with thousands of others from my city were facing Soviet tanks protecting TV stations and other important buildings. We won and my country is free today. I am not longer ashamed of the Soviet imprint on my face. I raise my head up and tell everyone who wants to listen what brave, strong, and resilient people live on my Eastern Block.

On August 23, 1989 I joined with over two million people in Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia to hold hands and form the Baltic Way in protest of Soviet oppression. I am asking now that we all hold hands once again and unite in support of Ukraine to put an end to Russian government oppression once and for all.

100% of proceeds from our Unity necklace and 10% of overall proceeds from purchases at juratelosangeles.com will directly benefit those in Ukraine experiencing displacement.