News

People on Social Media Come Together to Show Solidarity With Brussels After Attacks

By Lauren Boudreau 2 min read

# Alexandre Alaphilippe
# Belgium
# Brussels

Brussels, Belgium became the latest victim for terrorism this morning when two explosions ripped through the Zaventem airport and, later, Maelbeek metro station.

This attack comes just months after the Paris terrorist attacks that occurred on November 13, 2015.

Despite the sadness, anger, and fear many are feeling, people all across the world on social media are sharing their support and well wishes. The hashtag #JeSuisBruxelles (I am Brussels) emerged on Twitter where people are posting inspiring messages.

Thousands of people are using #JeSuisBruxelles to show solidarity with Brussels https://t.co/7LMlTwixg5 pic.twitter.com/eDrlVqP7IH

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) March 22, 2016

Other people, on the other hand, are sharing their frustrations along with their humor.

stop the madness #JeSuisBruxelles pic.twitter.com/XkY7uzgbuP

— – (@LauraZovi) March 22, 2016

The hashtag #IkWilHelpen (I want to help) is being used to guide those who may be displaced or in need of any sort of help to someplace safe to stay. People are using it to offer ride shares and shelters. The hashtag was originally started by Alexandre Alaphilippe, BuzzFeed reports, who is a communications manager, and just wanted to provide people with a way to get help if they needed it.

If you’re stuck in Brussels, we have a sofa. We’re rue Edith Cavell, near Churchill #OpenHouse

— David Geilfus (@davidgeilfus) March 22, 2016

https://twitter.com/IsabelleD911/status/712299571297296385

S'il y a des gens de Bruxelles coincés à Namur, je peux héberger/recueillir quelqu'un, ne serait-ce que pour un peu de soutien #Brussels

— Mali (@IamNanouche) March 22, 2016

Many others are tweeting their kind thoughts and sharing their experiences of generosity from the Belgian people.

https://twitter.com/saschaleib/status/712200571458076673

Other social media accounts were set up specifically to help people with securing transportation.

If you’re a driver and want to help, tweet your trip and time with #brusselslift
— #solidarity #STIB #MIVB #Brussels

— Brussels Lift (@BrusselsLift) March 22, 2016

With all the pain and suffering that comes out of tragedy, it’s safe to say that it can really bring people together, especially in 2016 when sharing information and support for other people is so easy and convenient.

Here’s to Brussels, and here’s to hoping it doesn’t happen again.

#PrayForTheWorld.

https://twitter.com/SabellaMarieTV/status/712326092720214017

I hope for peace and comfort for all of #Brussels. You will be in my thoughts. Stay strong #peaceforbrussels 💔 pic.twitter.com/czj3eXhxMX

— Nida Qureshi (@q_nida) March 22, 2016