As I was riding the train to Townhall, there were a thousand thoughts budding in my mind. The impending deadline, code completion, apparisal, job, christmas…etc etc.
It was about 10:30 am when I received the mail from HR informing us that hostages have been taken by a gunman at Lindt cafe, in Martin Place, which is about 4-5 blocks away from my building. Soon all the nearby buildings were locked down, including ours. It was not the fear that was disturbing, but the realization of how fragile human life is and how easily can it be tampered with. All my issues and problems felt so insignificant and small. It was shocking that a beautiful and friendly city like Sydney could become victim to religious or political war.
Till now 5 hostages have escaped. I feel for the families of those who are still trapped in the cafe. I cannot even imagine the pain and distress that they must be going through. Although the news agencies know about negotiations and who the Gunman is, they are not revealing it to public on request by the police.
As the terrifying drama unfolds, there’s another heart warming act that is taking twitter by storm – #illridewithyou , where Australians have offered to travel with people wearing religious dress, so that they don’t feel uncomfortable.
The maturity and camaraderie of Australians, specially residents of Sydney has touched me deeply. Instead of fighting over religion and lashing back, they are displaying unbelievable compassion and empathy to people.
It fills my heart with pride to be associated with a city like Sydney. I sincerely pray for the release of all the hostages and hope tomorrow is a much brighter day.
That's a very mature and a sensible way of dealing with a sad and tragic incident.
True. An inspiration to others.
It is really scary…Honestly I had never though Sydney could face such a situation one day…Thanks God you are fine Rajlakshmi
yeah, that was shocking. Sydney is such a peaceful and friendly place. Thanks for your wishes 🙂
What a horrifying experience it must have been! Happy that it is all over now.
I hope they can return to their normal lives again.
Those tweets brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing show of solidarity in the midst of a crisis.
I felt the same too Laurel. A beautiful gesture indeed.
There has been loss of two lives and several injured.This has become a recurring feature in unexpected times and places that upsets the normal rhythm of life.
It was tragic to lose two beautiful lives. And the incident that happened in Peshawar was even more chilling. How could one human inflict such pain on another?
Such a beautiful gesture during such horrible times!
I hope the horror ends soon…
A lesson to be learnt. Isn't it?
Such a wonderful gesture 🙂
Indeed it is 🙂
I am praying for all those people too. I read about this gesture on another friend's timeline and was moved by the warmth in their hearts. Sydney is blessed.
the gesture was indeed moving. I hope Sydney remains as peaceful as it was before.
I am glad you are OK. Heard in the TV that one of the hostages is an Indian employee from Infosys. Hope all hostages are released unharmed.
Yeah, glad that most of them were released unhurt.
wow!!.. such a heartfelt and warm gesture … 🙂
Indeed. it was beautiful to read all the messages
Hope the trauma ends on a good note! That is how mature people behave!Take care!
I loved the reaction of the public too. Mature and understanding.