After Istanbul Attack, a Memorial at Union Square

Secular and Democratic Turkey Platform held a memorial in Union Square for those who lost their lives after Tuesday’s terror attacks in Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport. Participants offered messages of solidarity to families of the dead, and to the injured.

Turkish nationals in New York wrote the words “Istanbul is not alone,” “Rest in peace,” “We will not forget you,” and “Pray for Istanbul.” They lit candles in memory of those who lost their lives. Some Americans also participated in and supported the event.

The organizers issued a statement saying: “We are grieving the painful after-effects of yesterday’s cowardly suicide bomb and armed terror attack at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport that targeted innocent civilians. We condemn this vicious attack that left 42 people dead and more than 300 injured and scream from the tops of our lungs that living with terrorism is not, cannot and will not be our destiny.”

The group pointed out that “Istanbul is one of the world’s most important cities and cities have unfortunately been the targets of the world’s most bloodthirsty terrorist organizations. Having suffered the same misfortune, multiple times, Istanbul is not only ours, Istanbul is not alone.”

One of the participants, Gamze Ceylan, drew 42 hearts on the ground.