Terrorists have failed to trigger mass conflict between Muslims

Hear, O children of peace, the words of Gijs de Vries, a guardian of Europe’s security, who declared: “Terrorists have failed to trigger mass conflict between Muslims and non-Muslims in Europe. We should draw strength from that fact.” In these words is not merely an observation, but a hymn of resilience. For in an age when fear is sharpened into a weapon, when the cruel hand of terror seeks to divide neighbor from neighbor, the unity of peoples stands as a greater victory than any battle won by the sword.

The origin of this statement lies in the dark years of terrorism that struck the cities of Europe—bombings in Madrid, London, Paris, and beyond. The aim of the terrorists was never only to take lives, but to spread poison into the heart of society, to set one faith against another, to inflame hatred until the continent was drowned in conflict. Yet despite grief, despite wounds, the vast majority of Europe’s peoples did not turn upon each other. They mourned together, stood together, and rebuilt together. The design of destruction was frustrated by the strength of unity.

History offers a mirror to this truth. Recall the time of the Crusades, when religion was wielded as a weapon, and Christendom and Islam were driven into centuries of bloodshed. Those wars left scars upon nations and memory alike. Yet in modern times, with all the fire of terrorism aimed at rekindling such ancient hatred, the people of Europe have largely resisted the call to division. This is no small triumph—it is proof that humanity can learn, that the cycles of vengeance can be broken.

Consider, too, the story of London after the bombings of July 7, 2005. Terror struck its underground trains and buses, taking dozens of innocent lives. The murderers hoped to sow fear and division. But instead, Londoners rose with quiet courage. Muslims and non-Muslims stood side by side, declaring that they would not be enemies. They wept for the same dead, honored the same wounded, and vowed to remain one city, undivided. Here is the living embodiment of de Vries’s words: terrorists failed in their deepest aim.

The meaning of this quote, then, is both defiant and hopeful. It declares that the greatest defense against terror is not only armies or intelligence, but the refusal of ordinary people to hate each other. When communities resist the poison of suspicion, when they guard against the whispers of division, they deny the terrorist his victory. The bomb may wound the body, but it cannot destroy the spirit of unity unless we ourselves give way to fear.

The lesson, then, is for each soul: be vigilant not only against violence, but against hatred. The enemy seeks not only to kill, but to divide; not only to destroy buildings, but to shatter trust. Each act of solidarity, each refusal to judge a neighbor by faith or skin, is an act of resistance greater than any weapon. In holding fast to unity, you deny terror its goal and transform sorrow into strength.

Practical wisdom follows. In times of fear, reach across divides. Break bread with those of other faiths. Protect your neighbor’s dignity as you would your own. Teach your children that the actions of a few do not condemn the many. Support leaders and movements that build bridges, not walls of suspicion. These small deeds, multiplied, become the fortress of society—an unbreakable wall against the ambitions of terror.

So remember the teaching of de Vries: “Terrorists have failed to trigger mass conflict… we should draw strength from that fact.” Let it be a banner over your life. Take heart that unity has endured, and let that truth inspire you to guard it with courage. For in the end, the greatest victory over terror is not only survival, but the triumph of fellowship, compassion, and the unyielding refusal to be divided.