Dear Anonymous,

On 11 September, I was at studying Journalism at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. The first aeroplane had hit one of the Twin Towers and everyone stood frozen in their tracks, staring at the screens in the lobby. There was still a glimmer of hope that it had been an accident, that the pilot had fallen ill or something like that. When the second aircraft hit the second tower, it was clear that these were no accidents. They were deliberate attacks. Very deliberate.

I went to my parents’ home, switched on the TV and watched the news. I watched world leaders declare war on the terrorists. Every time I heard an unexpected sound outside, I looked out the window. Was it a tank or a bomber? When my parents came home, we never planned a survival strategy. We simply ate supper. Nothing actually changed, including after all the attacks that followed.

The world has been at war for years, but I have never seen military personnel in my street. The war in Europe is hardly fought on the street, but in people’s hearts. Every bomb, every attack, and every decapitation is a test of our tolerance.
Yet another attack took place on Friday. A bloodbath in Paris that primarily revolves around generating more fear, powerlessness and, ultimately, rage and hatred. Hatred towards our neighbours, classmates, compatriots and fellow world citizens. An act of hatred by terrorists seeking, through barbarism, to extend their own freedom by curtailing ours.

I see people writing on Facebook that it is time to kill all Muslims, otherwise the violence will never end. That is what scares me. Let’s try not to let hatred win. If we treat one another with love and respect, there is a chance peace will prevail. Do not lose hope, be vigilant in respect of suspicious situations and carry on with your life. Love conquers all. I truly believe that.

Love, Tosca