Un Momento de Silencio

Un Momento de Silencio            March 24, 2016

We were walking along the street in Alozaina on Tuesday afternoon when we noticed the zeroxed flyer.  On closer inspection of the Spanish message, it was inviting everyone in town to a gathering at noon the next day.  The purpose was to stand together against the barbarity of the bombings in Brussels that very morning.  The event had been initiated by the Federation of Municipal Mayors.  We were astounded that a town the size of Alozaina could be and would wish to be so rapidly responsive to a world event.  We were determined to be there the next day (not difficult with an essentially blank schedule of activities).

So, on Wednesday at noon, a small group of locals and ex-pats gathered in front of town hall (the ayuntamiento), exchanging quiet, warm greetings, neighborly smiles, as well as kisses on both cheeks and gentle hugs.  For the ex-pats, I'm sure that this was a meaningful time, heavy with the awareness that we all travel through airports and subways in large cities to arrive in Alozaina. For the locals, it's a reminder that every European shares in the fate of this current grip of terrorist horror.   The simple statement of purpose - compassion for the victims and solidarity against barbarous acts of violence - expressed in Spanish and translated into English, took no longer than a moment itself, followed by the moment of silence.  

In that moment, I prayed for the victims and their families, as well as for the perpetrators with their misguided hatred and for their families.  

And then we slowly, peacefully had a few private words with each other, reaching out to newcomers and old friends alike, before going back to our lives.  

Bravo for this little town and its heartfelt gesture.