Last week, the world was shaken by brutal acts of terrorism in Paris. Over the weekend, many of us gathered in support of those victims, sending prayers and love from across the globe. But sadly, that heartwarming outpouring of kindness has had one significant drawback: we have neglected to notice those who are also suffering in Beirut and Baghdad.
Both areas were targets of suicide bombing attacks just hours before the attacks in Paris occurred, but they’ve received little to no coverage in the press. Facebook isn’t offering to let us temporarily filter our profile pictures with their flags’ colors, even though their citizens have felt as much loss and pain as the people of France.
In Beirut, a marketplace erupted as two bombers made their way through the crowd. The blasts took 43 lives and wounded at least 239 others. But those numbers might have been even higher if it weren’t for the brave, split-second decision of one heroic man.
Adel Termos was at the marketplace with his daughter when he saw the first bomb go off.
Chaos and debris flew everywhere as people panicked to find shelter. That’s when Termos noticed a second bomber preparing to attack.
Instead of running in the other direction, Termos went straight for the man and tackled him. The bomb went off, killing both men. With his brave final act, Termos saved hundreds of lives.
His daughter, shown here at her dad’s funeral, was one of the lucky people who was saved by his heroic actions.
We mourn each of these tragic acts of violence equally, and we urge you to keep all of those who are still suffering in your thoughts. Karuna Ezara Parikh, a blogger from India, shared this poignant image on Facebook in the aftermath of these attacks, which reminds us to not only mourn for Paris, but for the whole world.
