Unfortunately the thread "A thought for Russia" has been closed because some people just can't stop riding their hobby horses.

I would like to send my condolences to the families and friends of those who were murdered by terrorists in Beslan.

I will like to join ira on the condolecences to the Russian people who were, yet again, victims of a terrible terrorist act. Seems to me terrorists acts are just getting worse; USA, Bali, Madrid, Beslan. So sad.

Thanks for starting a new thread, Ira. My intention in the previous thread was not to spark a political debate! Simply to express sympathy and compassion for innocent victims and their families. My political beliefs have nothing to do with this and I shall keep them to myself.

No cause justifies the spilling of innocent blood.
Unfortunately, it tends to be the innocent who suffer in these conflicts

I would like to add my condolences also. I cannot imagine the grief those poor families are going through. We went through this ourselves ( as a nation) in NYC, now others are losing their children. Very very sad.

I have read about some horrible things, but this was the most outrageous terrorist act imaginable. My heart is broken . The BBC has excellent coverage and feedback, check out "have your say"....they even have a phone in segment. Thanks Ira, for bringing it to attention again.

I add my deepest sympathy. I can't imagine how those parents feel. I read this morning that a young mother who had been forced to choose between her two children, taking her infant son and leaving her 6yr old daughter, has been reunited with her daughter. A modern version of "Sophie's Choice".

My deepest condolences to the children who saw their friends murdered beside them as they were fleeing, to the families of the children, other victims and especially the police officer who lost his life saving 2 children. What a horrible nightmare to have sat on the sidelines for several days not knowing what was going on inside. I am forever grateful that some of the families are reunited but am deeply stunned and hurt by these barbarous acts towards children.

My deepest sympathy to all involved in this terrible atrocity... and my prayers and hope of recovery for all the children and people still in the hospital with grave injuries.

I must add my deepest sympathy as well.

Barbara, I read the same story about the woman who had to take one child with her and leave one behind. I have not been able to get it out of my mind, wondering what happened to the little girl left behind. Thank you so much for telling me that she was safe.

Does anyone know of a link to a reputable agency where we can make donations to help with medical bills and such? I feel completely helpless and can only imagine what those parents are going through.

Hi Jocelyn,

You might want to contribute to the Salvation Army or the Red Cross.

Thanks, ira. I checked both websites and neither make mention of the crisis in Russia (they've got their hands full with hurricanes!). I was hoping for a local Russian agency that will get the money where it needs to go NOW. Are Salvation Army and/or the Red Cross "on the ground" in Beslan yet?

Although I don't know anything about the group or any of its trustees, the Russian Consulate in NY is suggesting the International Foundation for the Victims of Terror Acts, reachable at

www.MoscowHelp.org

as a clearinghouse for donations. It is a US-based charity registered with the IRS as a 501(c)3, so contributions should be deductible. They were set up in 2002 in response to the siege at the Dubrovka Theater in Moscow (and the Russian Consulate promoted them at that time as well).

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/from...9422275077.htm

http://www.moscowhelp.org/

http://www.moscowhelp.org/help.htm

Contact the Embassy of the Russian Federation to ask ways that you can
send toys, letters and cards, or other things directly to the victims and people of Beslan. Don't forget the rescue workers will also need words of encourgement and thanks.

Embassy of the Russian Federation
2650 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20007

202.298.5700 (tel)
202.298.5735 (fax)

http://www.russianembassy.org/

The Salvation Army in Russia has a somewhat ambigious status (as do many non-Orthodox Christian groups), so I am not sure that they will have a program specifically targeting Beslan and Ossetia. They were banned for a time within the last five years from operating in Russia, and then a Moscow court allowed them to operate with restrictions.

As for the Red Cross, the ICRC (the international Red Cross) is very actively involved in assisting the victims. See

http://www.icrc.org/Web/eng/siteeng0...a?OpenDocument

I am not sure about the American office or how they earmark donations for specific foreign programs. Specifically donations to the ICRC are NOT deductible for Americans.

My thoughts and sympathies are with the people of Russia during this very difficult time.

My heart also aches for the mothers, fathers, children, and friends in Russia. I can only hope that peace will somehow find its way into the hearts of the terrorists.

As a teacher, I pride myself on the fact that the place I work is a safehaven for children. Unfortunately this was not true this week in Russia. My heart aches for all of those lost, especially those innocent children, and for those left to pick up the pieces. God bless all of them.

I join with so many others in grieving for lost lives, especially innocent children. What possesses anyone to shoot a fleeing child I wonder? Why do human beings resort to such inhumanity?

Don't know the circumstances of this episode. I realize there is much rage in the heart of a terrorist but this must mean all loss of reason or compassion.

Bill in Missouri