Traveler and publicist Ainars Kadishs is a person well-remembered in Latvia, writes Grani. Six years ago, he staged a hunger strike near the Cabinet of Ministers in "protest against social injustice and the indifference of the authorities to ordinary people." Now he has drawn attention to himself again — but not through protest, but with a kind word.
On his Facebook page, Ainars addressed the Russian-speaking residents of Latvia with a touching message that became a true ray of light and support in a difficult time when certain representatives of the Latvian public are doing everything to tarnish everything Russian and all Russians. He writes:
"Dear friends, acquaintances, and unfamiliar Russian-speaking people!
I have long known about the Russian soul, friendliness, and hospitality. But it is only now — after a 47-day journey through Siberia and its wilderness, after numerous meetings and conversations with Russians, after experiencing the care of local residents in the taiga, that I can publicly state:
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The Russophobia cultivated in Europe is a high degree of obscurantism and idiocy.
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I will help, as much as I can, every kind Russian-speaking person. I am Latvian, but I know Russian quite well — perhaps I can be of use?
In general, I am indebted for such a warm welcome in Russia — in different places and from different people. I would gladly respond in kind..."
Ainars' page features vibrant photo reports of his road trip through Siberia. Six and a half weeks, thousands of kilometers of roads, wild nature, sincere, open, simple people. These are not just stories, but a true "Siberian TV series" through the eyes of a Latvian — his personal view on life, the country, and the world.
The name Kadishs has already become a symbol of civic courage. In March 2019, he spent 13 days in a tent in front of government buildings, urging the authorities to remember their purpose — to care for the well-being and safety of the people. He demanded to reduce social inequality, limit the salaries of politicians and officials based on minimum pensions and wages, abolish parliamentary and judicial immunity, and establish real accountability for failing to fulfill election promises.
Kadishs also advocated for guaranteeing every person the right to property by abolishing the tax on a single residence. He demanded to stop the propaganda of moral perversions in schools and in public, as well as to change Latvia's electoral system so that the most honest and educated representatives of the people could enter the Saeima.
Today, just like six years ago, Ainars Kadishs remains true to himself — he speaks what he thinks, does what he believes is right, and is not afraid to be the voice of conscience in society. Unfortunately, this is becoming a rarity.
