Leaving one’s nest for a distant land, for work, love, or the promise of a better life. How are Italians who have moved to America doing? Comites has organized, from an idea of psychotherapist Leide Porcu, an afternoon of reflection and discussion at the Consulate General of Italy on Nov. 7 at 5:30 p.m., to tell the story of the well-being of homegrown immigrants in the United States.
The event will be introduced by Consul General Fabrizio Di Michele and moderated by Mediaset journalist Francesca Di Matteo. Present at the panel discussion will be prominent figures from the Italian community in New York who will open reflections on crucial and current issues such as resilience, support and mutual unity. They will be divided into two main groups: the Cultural team, consisting of Elena Perazzini, Stefano Vaccara and Anthony Tamburri, and the Well being team, consisting of Patrizia Ricciardi, Luca Caldironi, Danielle Knafo, Robert Leahy and Claudia Godi. The goal is to explore cultural identity, integration and heritage preservation as important as health and psychological and professional adjustment to a dynamic city like the Big Apple to maintain emotional stability and community ties.
“The Italian community is extraordinarily diverse, yet united by a shared heritage and values,” said Leide Porcu, who shared her “dream” about the project. “Italians abroad represent one-tenth of Italy’s population, with almost 90,000 people residing in the Tri-State area alone. I want us to be connected by a common thread. A thread like that of Maria Lai’s project, The Ribbon of Ulassai, which connected her small Sardinian community beyond any divisions. We at Comites are committed to this vision of unity, mutual assistance, and well-being. We are weaving connections that transcend cultural barriers and promote a cohesive community.”
She added, “For those far from their home countries, these values represent strong points of sharing and comfort. Having arrived in New York 30 years ago, I know firsthand the joys and challenges that each phase of immigrant life entails. I address these issues daily in my work. This experience, shared by many, is why events like this are essential for the community,” Porcu concluded.
