Last week, a terrible act of hate killed four people, including policeman Keith Palmer, right in the heart of Westminster. The damage cannot be undone; 13 are still in hospital, and investigations continue. But in times of crisis, the true character of a city emerges.
The heroes. The kindness. The tube signs. The world saw London at its best — defiant, compassionate, and united. The people paid their respects, and sent a fearless message to all: nothing can divide us. Unimpressed by terror, London didn’t stop for a second — and the stories of solidarity keep flooding in.
Read More: Britain Defined by Kindness, Not Hate, Says Brendan Cox After Westminster Attack
Yesterday afternoon, nearly 100 Muslim women gathered on the bridge where the first attacks took place. As Big Ben chimed in the background, they stood, hand in hand, in honour of the fallen victims. Many wore blue as a symbol of peace, as silence reigned for five minutes in tribute.
This is what solidarity looks like! Photos from Sunday on the #WestminsterBridge by @elaineaemmott. #WeStandTogether@womensmarchlonpic.twitter.com/O76mQGyrcP
— Women's March (@womensmarch) March 27, 2017
The gathering was organised by the Women’s March, the organisation that led millions around the world to publicly protest against gender inequality on US President Donald Trump’s first day in office. It wasn’t publicised in advance on social media — only those that subscribed to their email updates were invited — so that numbers were kept as low as possible. The aim was to pay respect with simplicity and dignity.
Read More: These Are the Heroes Who Rushed to Defend London Amid Westminster Attacks
“It’s important that we say terror will not defeat and divide us and pay respects to those that died,” Akeela Ahmed, the activist who helped organise the vigil, told The Guardian. “Keith Palmer is a hero and we are marking our respect for him and all the emergency services who protect us.”
Women of all religions and none link hands on Westminster Bridge as a tribute to victims to the recent terror attack. pic.twitter.com/9h7lUcL1IQ
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) March 27, 2017
"When an attack happens in London, it is an attack on me. It is an attack on all of us,” said Sarah Waseem, who participated in the protest, in an interview with the BBC. “This is abhorrent to us."
Ayesha Malik, a mother-of-two from Surrey, added: ‘As a visible Muslim I think it was important to show solidarity with the principles that we all hold dear, the principles of plurality, diversity and so on.’
Read More: London’s Muslim Community Raised £10,000 for Westminster Victims – and They’re Not Finished Yet
The touching images spread quickly on social media with the hashtag #WeStandTogether. It wasn’t long before the moving show of support went national too, as The Guardian published a photograph on its front page this morning. This is after a group of Muslims last week managed to raise nearly £30,000 for the families of the victims. Communities are coming together at a time when unity is so vital.
Had no idea our low key solidarity event would make front page. Was a very moving tribute to victims. @womensmarchlon#WeStandTogetherhttps://t.co/JzGZdlgZHI
— Akeela Ahmed (@AkeelaAhmed) March 26, 2017
The diversity of voices standing in solidarity with the victims is a beautiful thing. It wasn't just Muslim women at Westminster bridge yesterday, either — people of all backgrounds turned up to particpate and commemorate.
According to The Guardian, there were messages of support placed with flowers at the site where the attacker's car crashed into the railings. One in particular strikes at the heart of why these women chose to make such a gesture — indeed, it says so much too about how most of the city reacted in the face of terror.
"We are not afraid. London stands united", it read. Together, London will never be cowed.