Sarasotai Magyar Hirmondó, 2001 (7. évfolyam, 2-8. szám)

2001-10-01 / 7. szám

EDITH LAUER, Chairman, Hungarian American Coalition

Washington, D.C.

When time stood still

Here in Budapest, as all over Europe, last Tuesday's sudden tragedy stunned the population. In addition to the immediate outpouring of solidarity with Americans, there has been a feeling of protective concern, that a country never before invaded or attacked on its own soil could be devastated by this experience.

Since then Hungarian hearts and minds have grappled to make some sense of the senseless. As neighbors, friends, and even strangers have expressed their condolences, many also wondered, how could "the pilots of the Apocalypse" strike undetected at the very nerve system of the mighty and powerful United States? Was this a message intended solely for the U.S., or for the entire Western world? And for a country whose freedom was secured only 11 years ago, the fearful question: "Will this lead to World War III?"

Each day Hungarian TV news summarizes the content and distills the impressions offered by CNN. Hungarian historians and philosophers debate on television the inevitability of what happened; the applicability of Huntington's theory of the coming clash of civilizations; the tenets of Islam which accept acts of martyrdom, but reject acts of murder.

There is no shortage of expert opinion. A Russian security director recalls his amazement at the lax airport security and open cockpit doors he observed during a recent trip to the U.S.

"This is the century for fighting invisible enemies," declared a commentator in his on-the-scene report from New York for a popular Hungarian radio program. In the background, enthusiastic applause of the crowds can be heard, greeting rescue workers emerging at New York's Lexington Avenue and 26th Street. "And these are America's new heroes," the reporter continued, expressing wonder at the uniquely American admixture of shock and mourning, the intense patriotism that followed, and an overriding and defiant optimism in the face of the deadly terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

But overlaying all the headlines and commentary there is a feeling of deep sadness here at the tragic waste of lives. Hungarians are people who too often in their past have experienced senseless aggression. They have learned to do justice to somber commemoration. Thus, last Friday at noon, a solemn Mass was offered at the Basilica. And for three moments, life stood still on the streets of Budapest and elsewhere, as the country paid homage to the victims of terrorism.

In front of the Parliament, the Hungarian flag flew at half-mast. Black flags were raised at public buildings. In the cool September sun, the sounds of both the Hungarian and American National Anthem wafted over the crowd standing still, as streetcars stopped on their tracks, and the Danube rolled by in shiny waves. The haunting tone of "Taps" sounded a sad farewell. And finally, the tolling of bells reverberated all over the city from the historic churches of Budapest on both sides of the Danube.