The Children of Beslan...

Day Three,

Around 1:05 on September 3, 2004, all hell broke loose at School Number One. There are so many conflicting reports about what happened that the world may never know the truth about what ocurred. All that is known for sure is that it involved automatic weapons fire, bombs, helicopters, flame throwers, tanks, and the armed fathers of the children inside—and that more than 1000 people shed blood.

Shortly after the confligration that ensued, official Russian sources stated that the attackers were part of an international group led by Chechen terrorist Shamil Basayev. It was also reported that the hostage takers included a number of Arabs with connections to al-Qaeda.

Russia’s 9/11

Much like America’s experience with al-Qaeda, the Russian people regard the events of September, 2004 as an attack on their homeland, its innocents, and a crime against humanity. Recriminations abound as the people blame the actions of their government, the inaction of their government, failed policies and institutions, and a world gone mad.

What everyone can agree apon is that the small town of Beslan suffered an horrific experience the effects of which still linger. Parents mourn the loss of their children. Children suffer the loss of siblings, parents, and friends--and many are trying to cope with the physical and emotional scars of an unimaginable and incomprehensible event. The hidious aftermath of reconstructive surgery, painful rehabilitation, social debilitation, and constant fear, remain the legacy of that summer’s end. And as the pain of 9/11 will never be fully amelliorated for those who were touched personally, the world must never forget the agony of Beslan.
We live in a time of cynism, hatred, hopelessness and depair—a time of seeming futility, apathy, and a certain numbness to the events that tresspass on our lives. It is ever so easy to sit back and say, “There’s nothing I can do.” But that is the acceptance of defeat; the loss of optimism; and the death of willingness to extend a helping hand. It is only by reaching out to strangers, global neighbors, and people who share the same dreams and aspirations as ourselves, that we enrich ourselves and accrue a measure of serenity in our lives.

Please give generously to the children of Beslan.