A Haverford College student from Moscow never imagined that the genocide she learned about in a “transitional justice” class would be perpetrated by her own country, writes Susan Snyder for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Oleh Shostak, 21, a sophomore from Ukraine, told the student she was not on the side of the perpetrators.

 “You come from that side, but by taking a stand, you are not there,” Shostok told the Russian student.

That’s the dialogue these days at the college between the small group of Ukrainian and Russian students as they support each other against the war.

They’re fundraising and lobbying together to support Ukrainians back home, like buying medical equipment for soldiers.

The movement includes their counterparts at Swarthmore and Bryn Colleges.

And they are asking Haverford College to bring more Ukrainian students to the school while taking a strong stand against the war.

Haverford College has issued a statement condemning the war.

Since the invasion, Haverford has been trying to enroll students from both countries, offering financial, academic and personal support.

 “Immediately my office started looking into individual financial aid situations for students,” said John McKnight, dean of the college.

Haverford is also arranging for summer housing.

Read more in The Philadelphia Inquirer about Haverford College helping Ukrainian students.