Hashtags offer help in wake of Brussels attacks
People in Belgium are coming together on social media, offering shelter and rides to those in need after bombings in Brussels Tuesday left dozens of people dead or injured.
Under the hashtag #PorteOuverte (Open Door) and #ikwilhelpen (I Want to Help), people have been tweeting out offers of shelter for anyone in need.
If someone needs a place to stay later or tonight near Watermael or Uccle, you're welcome. #ikwilhelpen #PorteOuverte #OpenHouse
— Özlem Ida Levin (@ozlemlevin) March 22, 2016
I have shelter, food and Belgian beers for 1-3 people in Antwerp (south). PM me. #ikwilhelpen #PorteOuverte #OpenHouse #brusselsattack
— François Gerard (@fgerardOnline) March 22, 2016
Drivers have also offered stranded commuters a lift after train service was suspended. One Twitter user posted a tweet in French -- one of the main languages spoken in Belgium -- stating that she has four available spots in her car for anyone who is stuck in Brussels. Others formed emergency carpools to get people where they needed to go.
J'ai 4 places vides dans ma voiture. Si vous êtes coincé a bruxelles fait moi un DM' #jeveuxaider #ikwilhelpen
— Sarah Driba (@Sarah3ba) March 22, 2016
Anybody needs a car ride from VUB campus to city center or Laeken? 4 Seats left! Lift van Etterbeek nr Laeken? #ikwilhelpen #brusselslift
— Toon Vanagt (@Toon) March 22, 2016
Twitter user Dennis Covent tweeted a photo of himself with some passengers he ferried from Brussels to their home in Antwerp.
On this awful day, it was great to bring these 4 awesome people back home from Brussels to Antwerp! #ikwilhelpen pic.twitter.com/57rDqPF56I
— Dennis Covent (@denniscovent) March 22, 2016
The outpouring of support on social media extends far beyond Belgium, with people around the world posting messages of solidarity under the hashtag #JeSuisBruxelles (I am Brussels) -- inspired by the #JeSuisCharlie campaign that went viral after the terrorist attacks in Paris last year.