The Slovenian anthropologist raised the issue of solidarity at today's presentation of the measures to tackle the epidemic of covid-19. Although, as he pointed out, we often doubt that solidarity is still present in our society, the epidemic has revealed the opposite. Complete strangers, casual acquaintances, helped each other to survive the lockdown and endure social isolation with small gestures of kindness, concerts on balconies, expressions of gratitude. The slowdown in public life helped to bring solidarity to the surface.

These days, a huge fire is raging on the Slovenian-Italian border. For almost a whole week now, it has been fought by dedicated volunteer firefighters, the army, civil protection officers, and neighbouring countries have also come to the rescue. Fortunately, solidarity knows no boundaries.

Volunteer firefighting in Slovenia has a long and strong tradition. Since the firefighters are closely linked to the local population, the gratitude for their tireless fight at Slovenian-Italian border is all the greater. Boundless, in fact. Knowing their efforts and cordiality can never be repaid, people from all over Slovenia are already saying 'hvala' (Slovene for thank you) to them - by bringing food and drinks to the area, by helping cut the trees to limit the fire area or simply with small gestures of greetings along the roads.