ICHRA
Brussel Blasts Creates Ripples of Fear
 Picture courtesy: BBC |
| Brussels, Belgium – Three terrorist blasts rocked the Belgian capital earlier today, two at the Brussels Zaventem international airport and one at Maelbeek metro station and striking fear in the heart of the European Union just days after a manhunt captured a key suspect, in last year’s Paris massacres. These blasts killed at least 31 people and injured nearly 200, according to reports. |
| UNITED SIKHS condemns these blasts that spread fear and terror among our community. UNITED SIKHS extends its heartfelt sympathies and Ardaas (prayer) to the victims and their families. We request our supporters to keep them in their prayers too. |
| The apparently coordinated explosions in Brussels – including at least one by a suicide bomber at the airport – created a renewed sense of threat that spilled far beyond Brussels, as authorities boosted police patrols in cities such as Paris, London and Washington. |
| According to Amarjit Kaur, president UNITED SIKHS Belgium chapter,”It seems like the city is on curfew, many trains cancelled and fear in the air. Everyone is instructed to stay inside the house. Attacks like these instigate hate against minority communities. It’s time to share love and compassion towards one another”. |
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| People affected by the blasts outside the airport and metro station. Picture courtesy: CNN |
| Unfortunately, such attacks redirects backlash towards minority communities, and we urge the Sikh community to exercise extra caution and be mindful about their surroundings. Please notify the authorities by calling 911 for any suspicious behavior and threats of violence. You can also contact UNITED SIKHS at law-global@unitedsikhs.org |
| If you feel you are discriminated during your air travel ( national and international), please report it with UNITED SIKHS at https://unitedsikhs.org/KnowYourReligiousFreedomRights/ |
| “We stand in solidarity with one another and will work towards ending hate and discrimination”, said Jatinder Singh, Director for UNITED SIKHS Aid. |
| If you are local to Brussels and would like to donate blood at a local hospital to help victims of the Brussels attacks, be sure to check with the medical center before you travel there. In the Brussels-capital region, the IRIS network comprises of the region’s public hospitals, spread over eleven sites: Below is a list of hospitals: |
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