[Deb Palmieri on Russia Table of Contents] The following article was published in the Russian Commerce News, September-October 2001. The Russian Commerce News is the official publication of The Russian-American Chamber of Commerce®. |
Americans woke up September 11, 2001 and could never imagine
what awaited them on a beautiful Indian summer day in New York, Washington,
D.C. and over the skies of Pennsylvania. A nightmare unfolded, one of terrorist
destruction, an act of war against all Americans and indeed the world community,
which was targeted at the financial, political and military heart of America.
You know the story well by now, it needs not repeating. America and Americans
were changed forever.
A true test of friendship ensues when the chips are down, in times of tragedy, need, sadness, difficulty and despair. That's when you experience a sense of who your real friends are. Russia demonstrated the depth of its true feelings of friendship and support with America in countless ways in the wake of the September 11 tragedy and crisis.
I would like to share with members some of the heartful messages that immediately came into the Chamber from our Russian friends and colleagues in politics and business. "With terror and pain we got the news about the horrible tragedy that descended upon the United States, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent people. As do the absolute majority of Russians, I grieve for the deceased in New York and Washington, D.C. Let us convey to you our deepest condolence." Yet another letter stated, "Please accept our deepest condolences in relation to the terrible events that happened yesterday in the United States of America. We do believe that American people will be capable of going through this enormous tragedy and nothing of that kind will ever occur again." Russian sentiments were especially expressed by these words: "It was with such shock and deep personal grief that we learned of the death of thousands of people in cruel and cowardly crimes that terrorists perpetuated against the United States as well as all of civilized mankind. Our hearts are broken. May we express to you and through you to all the Americans our profound sympathy at this sorrowful time. Our grief is overwhelming and our prayers are with you and all the people of the United States." These are only a few of the messages and sentiments that came in by fax and e-mail.
President Putin was amongst the first of world leaders to call President Bush and express his condolences and willingness to help. Russia's leader was resolute, exclaiming that ". . .barbarious terrorist acts aimed against wholly innocent people cause us anger and indignation. . .There is no doubt that such an inhuman act must not go unpunished. The entire international community should unite in the struggle against terrorism." He ordered a moment of silence two days after the tragedy to honor the victims. Meanwhile, ordinary Russian citizens paid respects by coming to the gates of the American Embassy, laying a carpet of flowers, lighting candles, mourning and praying for the thousands who lost their lives and for those who were injured and for those who were involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. Some left icons, others left heartfelt notes. "We pray for you and we want to help." "We take it so close to the heart because we all know what it is."
In the face of our great sorrow, the Russian government and the Russian people stepped up to the plate to help and support us. We at the Chamber thank our Russian colleagues for their caring and empathy. The ties and commonality between our countries made a qualitative leap, one not seen since we fought the fascists together during World War II. I know I speak for all of our members by saying that American business will galvanize all resources to support the war effort and to strengthen spiritual, friendship and commercial ties with Russia towards this end. This issue of The Russian Commerce News is dedicated to the Americans who perished on September 11, 2001 and all the acts of heroism associated with the rescue, medical, recovery and support efforts.
Deborah Anne Palmieri
Russian Commerce News, September-October 2001
Copyright 2001 The Russian-American Chamber of Commerce®