"I say, let the terror fade and let the light of love shine through all that we do on a daily basis and help." That's the hearty response of US national Kia Scherr, who lost her husband Alan and her teenaged daughter Naomi in the 26/11 attacks
Alan Scherr and Naomi were dining at a restaurant at Hotel Oberoi Trident that fateful night when terrorists indiscriminately rained bullets on the people. “I feel we can best honour the memory of those who lost their lives by rising from the ashes of darkness and loving like extremists. That means forgiveness, compassion, understanding,” said Scherr during her annual visit to the city through the One Life Alliance (OLA) of which she is a prominent activist.
Kia Scherr, who lost her husband and daughter in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, takes part in a gathering to pledge for peace. She often visits the city to pay homage to those who were killed in the carnage. Pic/ Satyajit Desai
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Making it a point to return to India every year around the 26/11 anniversary, she campaigns to expand and bring more people together into the circle of love and peace. Scherr admits it’s going to be a long journey. “But then, all journeys are, and people, even the victims of a mindless attack or a holocaust, have to get along and move ahead in their lives with love, tenderness and empathy,” she explains in a calm voice.
OLA is a small group of people affected by the 26/11 attack who spread the message of peace, love and compassion among people, communities and children. They had publicly forgiven the terrorists for the carnage, because, as Scherr emphasised, ‘Life is meant to be lived in harmony.”
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