OPINION: Brussels, Paris not the only victims of ISIS violence — #PrayForTheWorld

By Ana Madero
GSS Correspondent

PARIS — As the sun sets here, the Eiffel Tower, instead of shining its usual yellow, reflects the black, yellow and red of the Belgian flag. No stranger to tragedy, Paris will no doubt serve as Brussels’ rock these next few days, just as it was for us last November on the night when terror attacks hit our city.

It is inconceivable to me that in the span of four months, two European cities — both embodiments of culture and freedom — could fall victim to ISIS. It just goes to show that the atrocities we see on the news or in pictures aren’t as far away as we all like to think.

As I scroll through social media, my screen is flooded with #PrayForBrussels, #JeSuisBruxelles and Belgian flags in the shape of hearts, all similar to those I saw following the Paris Attacks. It truly is amazing that in the wake of such a monstrosity, when everyone across the world is incredibly scared, we all stand tall and stay strong.

#Bruxelles L’hommage de Plantu https://t.co/sBBY9mGViE pic.twitter.com/WNoXNAwCUT

— Le Monde (@lemondefr) March 22, 2016

Having been living in Paris during the attacks, I exhaled a strong breath of relief three days ago when the headline of every newspaper read “Paris Attack Suspect, Salah Abdeslam Caught.” After four months, Belgian police finally found him. And how were they rewarded for their bravery? With an attack on their own city just days after the capture.

Republican presidential front runner Donald Trump released a statement saying that Brussels is “just the beginning” but I have to question that. Is it really the beginning? Terrorism is not a new concept. This isn’t the beginning of a new wave of terror. Yes, Paris and Brussels were horrific events that shook the entire world, but what about the 18 other countries that ISIS has terrorized in just the past 30 days? What about Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, even Turkey whose capital got attacked just three days ago? Do we #PrayForEgypt or have Turkish flags in the shapes of hearts? No. And I have to wonder why.

In no way do I intend to say that we do not care for the other countries that have been affected by ISIS and other terrorist organizations. However, it’s true that we seem to distance ourselves from these events when they do not happen close to home. This is completely understandable of course. When you’re Parisian and Paris gets attacked, there is no doubt that #TuEsParis. And when you live in Brussels and your own airport and metro get bombed, the only thing you’ll be doing is #PrayingForBrussels. I meant what I said in the beginning of this piece: Paris and Brussels are cities full of culture, values and a sense of freedom. So when these beautiful, almost pristine cities get attacked, we have a newfound sense of solidarity with them. Almost as if the toppled buildings throughout Syria have somehow diminished their deep culture and beauty.

So in the wake of these horrendous attacks, I encourage everyone to do as they have done so well: Keep on caring and sending love to those who have the most difficult task of coming to terms with all of this. Those who have lost loved ones in Brussels today deserve nothing but our prayers and solidarity.

But looking forward, and perhaps backwards, we should all remember to treat those other countries, for whom these attacks are almost commonplace, the exact same we have treated France and Belgium.

All I know is that today, after seeing what happened, we should all #PrayForTheWorld.

—Featured photo: Student Lauren Fritschi of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in Los Angeles drew this cartoon for Global Student Square following the bombings in Brussels. Says Fritschi: “This is a representation of how people in Brussels are mourning after the recent attacks. The man, colored with the colors of the Brussels flag, is seen crying in a desolate airport waiting lounge. Many people in Brussels feel isolated, depressed and shocked, so this illustration may serve as a reminder for others to offer their support and care.” Contact Fritschi at fritschilauren@gmail.com.

—Writer Ana Madero, a senior at the American School of Paris, served as editor-in-chief of Munificence, the student newspaper of the Paris Model UN conference from Feb. 13 to Feb. 15. Opinion columns published on GSS represent the views of the author only and not Global Student Square. Contact Madero at anmadero@asparis.fr.

Photo of Madero (left) by student Luigi Maruani/American School of Paris.