It has been labelled as the most hostile tragedy to date.
It has been recognised as the greatest security attack on home soil. Yet the trauma and terror of the Sydney siege revealed Australia’s heart of gold.
In the aftermath of the hostage crisis, Australians are showing the world their unprecedented tolerance and solidarity.
Barriers surrounding a makeshift memorial in Martin Place for the siege victims have been deluged with a growing number of flowers and other tributes.
Thousands of people have gathered in response to the violent siege, which ended with three deaths and many injuries. They laid flowers in front of the Lindt Chocolate Café.
Last Monday, December 15, an armed gunman stormed a café and took hostage of seventeen people at the café in Martin Place. After the hostage-taker displayed a black flag bearing an Islamic creed in the café window, many Australian’s thought it was a terrorist attack.
There was little wonder why many Australian Muslims were also scared. They were understandably anxious about facing retribution.
In an interview with ABC News, NSW Premier Mike Baird said now was the time for people to come together to find strength.
“What we saw here was complete and utter despair, but there is an emergence of hope,” he said.
The aftermath of the siege found hope in many forms.
A social media movement #illridewithyou quickly earned worldwide praise for Australia. The hashtag signalled a fresh approach to an old problem. It represented progress.
Borne out of goodwill and a simple gesture by Rachel Jacobs to offer to walk with a Muslim woman, the movement showed and continues to see, a powerful sense of compassion for the hostages and Australian Muslims alike.
Many took to adopt this compassionate gesture or to express their support via Twitter and Instagram.
What looks like a simple offer of human support, be it floral tributes, or a small act of kindness has always been much more than this. In its concreteness, the tragic siege showed a profound vision for a just and inclusive Australia. It was beautiful because it came from ordinary people united by a greater sense of unity rather than a political agenda.
Amidst the backdrop of tragedy and extremist religious judgment, people found comfort in others through the power of compassion. A proud moment for Australia but the outpour of solidarity should not be discounted in everyday life.
We should not feel inclined to reach out to our fellow Australians in times of fear and tragedy.
Our challenge now, as a country, is to be role model of compassionate unity and tolerance in our everyday lives and to the world.
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