For those who don't know, there was a major terrorist attack in Mumbai over the Thanksgiving holiday. A large number of men came into the port of Mumbai in boats, they then highjacked cars and a police van and drove to ten different locations throughout Mumbai. These locations were tourist attractions and places of safe haven for the non-traditional Indian. These attackers were after American and English citizens and those of Jewish decent. The siege lasted three days. Three days of terror in Mumbai's nicest hotels. Not only did it result in the loss of over 160 lives, but also in the loss of the historic Taj Mahal Intercontinental Hotel which was ravished by fires set by the terrorists.

I had never been to the World Trade Center and I did not know anyone who perished in those attacks. But I have been to the port of Mumbai and inside the Taj Mahal Hotel. I have seen these beautiful landmarks up close. I have seen the beautiful Indian people who spend their days selling goods to the tourists who flock to see the Gateway to India. I am in mourning for these people- for the chaos that is there daily lives and for the chaos that has bubbled over into a war zone.

India is a beautiful place- a place of polar opposites. Beautiful people living in a harsh and dirty world. Their lives are still much more simple than the life of the average American. It is a place of deep , but varied spiritualism. Whether they are followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jain, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism or Christianity they believe deeply and truly. And although there are many jihadists of many faiths who have been launching attacks on India for many years, it is true that in day to day life, the people of India deal with their spiritual differences with calmness, patience and respect.

I want to parallel this to the lack of respect most Americans feel necessary when dealing with people of a differing background- but I simply don't have the words. Sure, we don't have problems with domestic terrorism, but we certainly don't always have kindness in our hearts to deal with and respect those who are different than us. All I can do is pray that the strength and kindness of the Indian people will carry them through these times of struggle.