I'm an American, born in Kyiv, Ukraine. My family fled the Soviet Union and came to America in 1992. Now, with Russia's invasion and war on Ukraine, the lives of Ukrainians is all I can think and talk about. There are so many people and organizations helping in so many meaningful ways. As an example, this video was filmed for the Stars in the House fundraiser, which that day raised $172,000 for @rescueorg.

If this video moves you, please consider donating to the International Rescue Committee's efforts to help the Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homes. Please donate generously at https://rescue.org/starsinthehouse or right here on this video.

It’s difficult trying to create a magic trick about something awful and depressing like war. Especially when it's such a personal war being waged on my country of birth. Magic is meant to create positive surprise and joy.

So prior to this live appearance on the Stars in the House for Ukraine Telethon, I stayed up all night with a deck of cards and some Sharpie markers, trying to create a magic trick that would be a bit hopeful.

I discuss growing up with a pin of Vladimir Lenin on my school uniform. Here is an example of how the Soviet Union took the Boy Scouts program and created their own version for young "Pioneers."    • I'm a Young Pioneer for the Soviet Un...  
Stalin's Propaganda:    • Lenin's/Stalin's young pioneers part 1  
If you really want to learn more:    • Soviet Young Pioneers (1922-91)  

I mention President Zelenskyy's inauguration speech, where he says not to hang a picture of him on their office walls:    • Video  

If you like the trick, here is another performance of this principle:    • Virtual Magic with a Motivational Mes...  

And here's my friend's Paul Gertner's performance of his trick, which is the inspiration for all this play:    • Penn & Teller get Fooled "You Blew Ou...   Paul published his version for magicians and I learned it as a teenager. Thanks, Paul!

Thank YOU for watching.
Thank you for supporting Ukraine.

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