"Victim's Counter-Terrorism Gathering"

In partnership with the Association Francaise des Victimes du Terrorisme and the European Commission, Strength to Strength Founder, Sarri Singer and Board Member, Wendy Lanski were invited to participate the "Victim's Counter-Terrorism Gathering" coinciding with the commemorations  of the ten year anniversary of the Madrid bombings in which 191 people were murdered and over 1800 people were injured. The events took place from March 10-14, 2014 in Madrid, Spain, in connection with various organizations that work directly with victims of terrorism in Spain.

Together with the families and one of Strength to Strength's partner organizations, Association of Victims of Terrorism (AVT), people gathered to remember and honor the victims in the European Day for the Victims of Terrorism and on the tenth anniversary of the attacks of March 11th in Madrid. The main commemoration took place at the Forest of Remembrance at Retiro Park. With music Iesu, Angeles Pedraza, President AVT, spoke about the importance of the day. Then released was 191 white balloons in memory of those murdered in the attacks. The ceremony ended with victims climbing to the top of the Forest of Remembrance, with the traditional placing of daisies in the 191 trees planted at the memorial in memory of those that did not survive that day.

The "Victim's Gathering" week brought together 20 victims of terrorism and violent extremism from different countries around the world. This week gave the group the opportunity to share experiences, speak out and learn about the work each participant and organization is doing to deal with terrorism prevention, resilience and combating radicalization around the world. Strength to Strength looks forward to continuing to participate in these gatherings with our partner organizations in Europe.

Wendy Lanski, Chair, Victims' Advisory Council Speaking at the European Commission in Madrid, Spain March 2014