Free speech - Marie Claire gives support after September 11 attacks

Marie Claire, Dec, 2001

Though the September 11 attacks on America were meant to undermine our sense of security and optimism, deny us freedom, and set suspicion loose among us, a strange reverse has happened. The world has become a smaller, tighter, kinder place. Heroes emerged, people gave their lives for each other, and stranger opened up their hearts and wallets.

Within minutes, our 25 sister Marie Claires faxed and e-mailed to let us know they stand by America in her times of need, and in her search for justice. Here, the best holiday gift I could find for you: some of their warm, encouraging words.

Lesley Jane Seymour, Editor-in-Chief

To our dear friends, All of the Marie Claire teams and! want to assure you and your compatriots of the sympathy and compassion we are feeling for you in these terrible moments you are living through.

With friendship and affection, Evelyne Prouvost-Berry, Chairman and CEO, Groupe Marie Claire

AUSTRALIA All of Australia is still reeling from the barbaric attacks, so I can only imagine how much more of an impact it has had on you all.

FRANCE This tragedy that has struck you has had a devastating effect on us, very deep in our souls ... We feel the same grief as if this had fallen on our own closest relatives.

GERMANY CNN's pictures of "ground zero" reminded many here of burning German cities during World War II. And we all know how important the help of friends and allies is.

ITALY Manhattan is thousands of miles away, but today, it is here as well.

KOREA I hope all the people of the U.S. will overcome the shock as soon as possible. FIGHTING!

MALAYSIA Even with a "border-less world," we have been reduced to eyeing our neighbors with suspicion. I'm ashamed to say we have not progressed much since civilization began.

MEXICO Our strongest desire is not to let the human heart be eaten alive by feelings of vengeance and hate, feelings from which it might not recover.

POLAND On this bloody Tuesday, we learned that some of us have nothing in common with the rest of us.

RUSSIA We support the women of your country in their feelings against terrorism.

SOUTH AFRICA Like so many nations in the family of humankind, we have benefited immeasurably from America's generosity, strength, and inspiration. Our hearts and hopes for healing and strength are with our American sisters and brothers.

SPAIN We know too well the horror of terrorism, so we feel very close to you after this attack against the whole democratic world.

TAIWAN We are going to work together, fight together, to build a better world for the rights of human beings.

TURKEY We in Turkey have lost 30,000 citizens to terrorism. Being so far away and not being able to do anything for the U.S. victims has made us realize how vulnerable we are.

U.K. We can only hope that our political leaders will now work together to make the world safer. Please convey our warmest wishes to your team and your readers.