Dear Mrs Ivonka,
Please accept our heartfelt congratulations on your jubilee.
Having assumed the leadership of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic nearly 30 years ago, at a difficult time both for the Rada and for Belarus, you have done everything possible to ensure that it remains a national compass and a moral example for Belarusians.
Your patriotism, dedication, and many years of work in the service of Belarusian culture stand as an outstanding example for our compatriots, regardless of their generation or where fate may have taken them.
Belarus will endure as long as there are people in the world who, like you, carry it in their hearts, despite geopolitical upheavals, hostile forces, or social turmoil.
We are proud that from the very beginning you have been connected with the Skaryna Library, that you knew its founding figures, and that you donated your artistic works to its collection, where they now hold an honoured place in the Skaryna Library Museum.
We wish you good health, continued energy and optimism, and the joy of seeing better times for our Motherland.
May the “mighty, courageous, our Belarusian free spirit” continue to live within you.
Yours sincerely,
The Trustees of the Skaryna Library in London