In the wake of the Brussels terrorist attacks earlier today, the Belgian capital is on lockdown.
While details are still emerging and tributes are pouring in for Belgium and its people, Brussels residents are demonstrating how so often during a time of crisis, people are capable of remarkable acts of kindess.
And they bear a near-identical resemblance to the generosity shown by Parisians in the aftermath of the Paris attacks in November.
As the full extent of the tragedy unfolded, Paris police officials advised citizens to stay inside as French President François Hollande closed the nation’s borders and declared a state of emergency.
Using the #PorteOuverte (open door) hashtag, Parisians offered up their homes and a place to stay for anyone stuck in the city.
Now Brussels residents are doing the same, using the same hashtag to offer others shelter – as well as #OpenHouse for English speakers.
With 28 dead after three explosions at the airport and metro as many were on their way to work, Belgians are supporting each other.
Keeping their DMs open and stating their location and what they can offer, in addition to the #OpenHouse hashtag, Belgians are also tweeting #ikwilhelpen (Flemish for ‘I want to help’).
If you’re stuck in #Brussels and need sleep/food/coffee, my door near Sainte-Catherine is open #brusselsopendoors #Porteouverte #Opendoor
— Juliette Sanchez-L. (@JSanchezLambert) 22 марта 2016 г.
The hashtag #ikwilhelpen or ‘I want to help’ trending in Belgium with people offering lifts, accommodation or anything they can do to help — Felicity Morse (@FelicityMorse) 22 марта 2016 г.
We have plenty of space for those that need an #OpenHouse after #brusselsattack . Stephanie area pic.twitter.com/QBTfxVvJvf
— Ed Davitt (@davitter) 22 марта 2016 г.