The phrase „I will take my suitcase and leave” has echoed frequently in recent years. It gained particular resonance during Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, amid threatening political discourse and a backdrop of rising dissatisfaction with government failures. In these tumultuous times, many voices could be heard proclaiming, „I will take my suitcase and leave.” The idea that „everywhere is better than home” can be alluring. The myth of an ideal refuge, a place of complete safety, recurs in periods of crisis. In the face of danger, fleeing seems more comfortable than confronting it. However, escaping also harbors its risks—a reality evidenced by the testimonies of those who fled from communism. The dangers of exile are not insignificant.
Equally disturbing are the accounts of those who chose to stay behind, enduring torment in communist prisons and the humiliations of class struggle. The wealth of memorial literature documenting the concentration camp experience could serve as valuable material for educational curricula, not only in secondary education but also in more advanced studies. While exile plays an important role, the national identity of Romanians is deeply rooted in the experiences of those who faced the red terror—politicians, intellectuals, students, officers, entrepreneurs, and countless farmers. The memoirs from the diaspora represent just a small chapter in the tragic saga of communism in Romania.
The vitality of a nation relies heavily on the resolve and resilience of its people, particularly those who are willing to confront the risks threatening their existence. The sentiment of belonging is foundational for such courage. Building on a theme previously discussed in this column, belonging arises from two complementary processes. As individuals navigate their existence through the verbs „to be,” „to know,” „to choose,” „to want,” „to do,” and „to have,” they forge their identity and sense of belonging—a world that embodies both their spiritual and material identities. This personal journey of self-identification can only flourish within the broader context of communal identity, integrating into increasingly larger groups, from family and social circles to national and European communities.
In the legal sphere, individuals assume multiple roles; they act as persons in private law and as citizens in public law. Citizenship embodies a duality—national and European. This multifaceted connection to belonging answers two fundamental questions: what belongs to the individual as a person and to whom they belong as a citizen.
Complete representation of this connection generates a sense of protection and responsibility. Each community faces internal and external threats. The bond of belonging obliges individuals as citizens to commit to their communities and, conversely, obligates those communities—through state and European institutions—to protect individuals as persons. The bilateral nature of these responsibilities is strengthened or weakened by the effectiveness of community protection and the commitment of citizens to their communities. The security of individuals and their perceived homes fluctuates based on this reciprocal relationship.
Romanians in Dubai experienced the instability of a place that many do not regard as home during an Iranian missile attack. A diverse population lured by higher wages and favorable investment conditions found themselves fleeing amid anxiety, longing to return home despite numerous challenges. None of these so-called „majorities” in this artificial metropolis desired to stay and fight for a foreign land devoid of bonds of belonging.
The urge to remain and defend is intrinsic only to places deemed home, as the perceived safety of escape routes proves superficial. The idea of running from oneself is equally illusory. Historical figures like Socrates demonstrated this commitment by staying to face judgment rather than fleeing, contrasting with others who have sought refuge through escape. His choice to embrace his fate underscores the unwavering connection to one’s home.
This complex dynamic of belonging, identity, and the court of personal choice remains as relevant now as it has ever been, especially in our shifting world.
[Source: https://www.dilema.ro/tilc-show/fuga-spre-iluzoria-siguranta-si-intoarcerea-acasa]
