Editorial: Solidarity

The antithesis was shattering from the beginning. Even as the government engaged in a cover-up, volunteers were running to help.

Even as government members were spouting excuses, the volunteers were offering blood, money, food, and support, and now even their homes.

We see it often with great crises. Anonymous citizens express solidarity for the victims of an earthquake, a flood, or a fire.

They do not do it because they expect something in return, but because they feel that they should. The only camera that attracts them is their conscience. The initiatives begin with individuals or groups, and due to the social media they quickly produce impressive results.

As regards offering shelter, the antithesis is symbolic.

Even as the government is announcing the tearing down of 3,200 illegal structures in Attica, many of which it had legalised, hundreds of citizens are opening their homes to the fire-stricken.

One person offers a room, another moves to a friend’s house in order to offer their home, university students are offering their paternal home in Athens when they are away, owners buy furniture, and others offer food and help transport fellow citizens who have lost everything.

Above all, they offer love. Even as Defence Minister Panos Kammenos finger-points, Infrastructure Minister Christos Spirtzis sends in the bulldozers, and Tsipras accuses the opposition, volunteers are opening their arms.

The absence of the state contrasts with the mobilisation of society.

The lack of sensitivity of the elective officials contrasts with the kindness of strangers.