I felt much better after participating in the silent candlelight vigil that took place in front of the Jordanian embassy in DC last night. Around 100 people gathered on this very cold night to signal their condemnation of the atrocities that rocked our nation. Jordanians and other nationals held candles, flags and wore the traditional Jordanian Hatta to show support for the country that means so much to them.
The majority of those gathered outside the embassy also made their way inside to sign the condolences book. The strong sense of solidarity that I felt amongst my fellow Jordanians was enough to alleviate some of the pain I have been feeling since the vicious attack on my country. Here is a small gallery of images from the gathering. Images here enlarge on click.
Ambassador Karim Qawar made a quick appearance and a short speech, the gist of which was that the terrorists had failed, they tried to divide Jordanians but instead made them even more united. Indeed. Here is brief highlight from the Washington Post on the vigil:
Jordanians and Americans joined in front of the Jordanian Embassy at dusk yesterday to mourn the bombing deaths in Amman and to denounce the terrorism that caused them.
With red, white, black and green Jordanian flags wrapped around their shoulders, or with small Jordanian and U.S. flags protruding from pockets, they held candles against the darkening sky.
"We, as members of the Jordanian immigrant community, want to extend our sympathy, our love of Jordan and our solidarity with the nation of Jordan and His Majesty King Abdullah II," said the Rev. Fuad Khouri, a parish associate pastor at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church.
"Jordan has been shaken," he said, "but it will rise again, and it will continue to be a country of peace the way it has been," he said.
Jak.
We love you man,why you so mad,say it.
and you are welcome in jordan.
I hate Jordan. All u Jordanians should go to hell!
Did you guys see how ugly this Sajida was ? No wonder her husband blew up himself.
The muslim with the Christian cleric is our own Imam Majid, leader of the local ALL Dulles Area Muslim Society(ADAMS). He is a great guy well known for his inter-faith work.
These incidents are clearly tragedies, but if it causes people to come together to combat extremism and can help promote unity, maybe something positive can come out of the death.
Lets wait and hear what this captured woman in Jordan has to say. Interesting!
Salam Pax has a strong comment which is worth reading.
I hope when people set up vigils with candles that they will add a few candles for all the Iraqis and others who have been killed by Zarqawi’s terror organisation. There has been far too much support for Islamic terrorism by Jordanians.
You have a wonderful blog… I thought i’d share this little letter that i wrote to vent out my anger. God bless our country and our people. United we stand.
My beloved Jordan,
I write to you from the cold and rainy city of Montréal, Canada where I am currently study. It breaks my heart to be away from you during these harsh times. Upon hearing the horrific news, my heart sunk… I was thinking of you, of my family who you embrace and of my Jordanian brothers and sisters. You have always given me a sense of warmth I never felt anywhere before, not on the mountains of Canada, on the beaches of the Caribbean or in the heart of any city in the world. How can someone hurt you? Hurt your people and aim to avenge you? Oh beloved Jordan, your sons and daughters abroad miss you, are thinking of you and praying for you and your people to get through this. I am so very proud of the patriotism that shone from the soul of every citizen, our MSN nicknames have changed, our flags hang outside of our windows. Whether we were with you or overseas, we are one nation and one hand. My beloved country, I am sorry for what cruel and heartless people did to you November 9th 2005, I am sorry for the innocent lives that have been lost and am sorry for all those who have been affected in any way, shape or form by these vicious attacks. They will not succeed, they will not win, we shall stand strong and brave to defeat all those aiming to see you fall. Trust that you have us by your side; whether we are in the country or temporarily away. We will be back soon to celebrate your unbounded victory and success.
We are forever yours,
With much love and respect,
Your citizens