Silk Road Festival in New York - a triumph of culture and unity
For several years now, like many others, I have been looking forward to the Silk Road Festival with particular anticipation. It is organized by a tireless, bright female leader, an outstanding teacher, Alena Badalova, who heads the My Way children's cultural and educational center. This is not just an event - it is a real spiritual holiday that promotes mutual enrichment, spiritual unity and reveals the dazzling palette of cultures of our multinational New York - a beacon of multiculturalism and creativity.
The festival reflects the essence of My Way Center's mission - to provide an opportunity for self-expression, creativity, intercultural dialogue - and is a beacon of humanism, respect and cooperation.
Despite the serious challenges that preceded the festival, it still took place with triumph. Several months before the event, a building next to the center caught fire, classes were cancelled, and one of the invited groups from California got into a car accident and ended up in the hospital. However, having overcome all the difficulties, the artists took to the stage and amazed the audience with their heartfelt number dedicated to Azerbaijan, causing a storm of applause at the Oceana Theatre.
And against all odds, on June 1, 2025, Center My Way organized a grand festival "Silk Road", which became a real ode to the historical and cultural greatness of the ancient trade route that connected East and West, and the route served for centuries for exchange - not only of goods, but also of ideas, art, beliefs, philosophy.
An impressive mosaic of national cultures unfolded on the theater stage. Cultural gems from countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kalmykia, Buryatia, India, Mongolia, Turkey and others were presented - all those whose history is intertwined with the history of the legendary Silk Road.
Showing mutual respect and pride in their heritage, the festival encourages the younger generation to explore the world through the lens of art, history and universal human values.
I would like to express special gratitude to the director Alena Badalova and the art director, the famous artist and sculptor Emin Guliyev. Their inexhaustible energy, professionalism and love for children fill this project with life. The creativity and success of the students of Emin Guliyev's art studio have been followed with admiration on social networks for many years. Together with dedicated employees, volunteers and leaders of musical and dance groups, they created a truly magical atmosphere, giving children a chance to perform on the professional stage of the American theater Oceana. I would also like to mention many other leaders of musical groups. These are professional dancers, ballerinas and just beauties, for example, Irina, the head of Irina Dancing Studia and others, from whom it was impossible to take your eyes off. And the way the children performed, there are simply no words! And can you imagine what it is like to bring dozens of child dancers on stage who danced together with professionals? Many children have grown up before my eyes, and I rejoice in their successes as in the victories of my child. I often see the performance of children from the My Way center at various events in the city, and this is always the highlight of the event.
And it is not surprising that the efforts of Alena Badalova and the center's staff were recognized with honorary certificates and gratitude from public and political figures: from Assemblymen William Colton, Alec Brooke-Krasny, Senator Stephen Chen, which was presented by the Senator's chief adviser Ari Kagan, on behalf of the Mayor of New York Eric L. Adams, which was presented by the Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Arts and Culture of New York Kendal Henry, and from other government representatives who honored the organizers for their contribution to the development of culture and the education of the younger generation - and, believe me, each certificate is recognition of service to people. Also, the famous lawyer Eva Rakhamimova was awarded an honorary certificate for charitable activities, and it is worth noting that many city events took place thanks to her support.
In an interview, Alena Badalova said: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the New York City Department of Cultural Afairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and New York State Legislature, New York City Mayor Eric L. Adams, The State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, Diana Bagrationi Foundation, Buryad Mongol United Association, Darina Sanzhieva, Law Office of Yeva Rakhamimov and Oceana Theater. It is their generous support and grant that have made this event possible, enabling us to continue this cherished tradition."
Marina Lagunova

Charity event in support of children of Ukraine
People have been dying for three years now - without reason, without meaning. This is not a war for ideas, because both Russians and Ukrainians are Christians, in my opinion, brothers and sisters. Many wars in human history have arisen for religious reasons, but this one is fratricidal and inhumane, with the use of the most modern weapons. The terrible bloodshed continues, and the list of victims gets longer every day.
It is hard for me to look at the photographs of Kharkov, where my brother, a doctor, lives. My second brother lives in Kyiv. They were not evacuated because people need them.
I was honored to meet the mother of fallen American soldier Andrew Weber, who became an advocate for veterans and refugees. She was presented with a portrait of her son, painted by artist Tatyana Khoroshko. Carla Weber is a representative of the American Mothers group. Her son, like other American volunteers, went to Ukraine to fight evil. Unfortunately, Andrew Weber's daughters, Gwyn and Vera, are now growing up without a father. And how many Ukrainian children have been orphaned! It should not be like this. . .
Renowned American journalist Mitzi Perdue, known for her unwavering support for Ukraine, was also honored. Perdue is the daughter of the founder of Sheraton hotels, and her late husband Frank Perdue is the founder of a famous poultry empire. She auctioned off her emerald engagement ring for $1.2 million in support of Ukrainian defenders and spoke of her deep respect for the Ukrainian people.
"Even in the darkest times, a small light can make a difference," Perdue said. "Tonight, we come together to shine that light."
It was not just a concert, but rather a memorial event. Guests made donations for the children of Ukraine, and the children present helped them. In the hall there were Ukrainian servicemen with serious injuries, amputations of limbs, who are undergoing rehabilitation in Philadelphia.
An elegy was performed dedicated to the artists who died in the war. The photographs on the screen spoke for themselves:
• Artem Datsishin - ballet star, died;
• Yuri Kerpatenko - conductor, killed;
• Vasily Slepak - opera singer, died in battle;
• Alexander Shapoval – ballet dancer, died;
• Anton Somov - ballet dancer, killed;
• Masha Lebed, Sergey Shkvarchenko and many others.
I remembered Pavel Kushnir, a soloist of the Birobidzhan Philharmonic, a Jewish pianist, writer, and dissident who died in a Russian prison while on a hunger strike. In December 2024, an international fund and scholarship named after Pavel Kushnir was established in Israel by Russian and foreign artists.
The list goes on. To the music of Miroslav Skoryk it seemed that even the air in the hall was screaming and crying.
The event was opened by Lyudmila Fesenko, Honored Artist of Ukraine, who has lived in New York for 30 years and performed at Carnegie Hall and other famous halls. Honored Artist of Ukraine Victoria Vennikova, Honorary Ambassador of Kharkov in New York, performed songs in Ukrainian and French. Drawings by children from Ukraine, sent to Victoria, were exhibited in the theater lobby.
All the performances were very touching. Alexander Chaplinsky accompanied the singer Goga Guladze on the piano. It is symbolic that Ukraine and Georgia were close, supporting each other in the fight for freedom. Emily Cohn and Wilson from Philadelphia presented unique ballet numbers against the background of dark clouds. Yuka Iseda performed "The Dying Swan", personifying all the horror of what was happening.
It's not just people in Ukraine who are dying. I can't hear without pain about the 1,400 victims of the terrorist attack at a music festival in Israel. There are still hostages, the search for the dead continues. Children... our children...
Ukrainians, Americans and Israelis have created a psychological assistance program. People need communication to overcome psychological trauma. Children do not know how to deal with fear and loss. They have been deprived of their childhood. Yoga, joint gymnastics, tea ceremonies, individual and group sessions help to bring back their smile, at least for a moment. Children should not say: "You know how a dog cries..."
Michael Kaplan, a representative of the Czech consulate, was present at the event. Americans and representatives of charitable organizations raising funds for children's programs in Ukraine were awarded certificates from the Assembly, which were presented by Assembly member Mikhail Novakhov. It was touching.
There were many caring people in the hall: Lyudmila Gladkovitser, lawyer Tanya Segal, Mara Khanukov, Svetlana Zelinskaya, Yuri Viderman and others.
But people of good will, like me, still want this fratricidal war to end. For the hostages to be released in Israel. The selflessness of Israel's defenders commands great respect, especially when young men come from different countries to defend their land. And how hard it is to realize how many lives wars have already taken.
Marina Lagunova