The human toll of this disaster is most palpable at the airports tied to the flight’s itinerary. In designated family waiting areas, silence hangs heavily, occasionally punctuated by muffled sobs or whispered prayers. These spaces become liminal zones where time seems to freeze, as families who had only hours earlier been making mundane plans are now confronted with incomprehensible grief. Counselors and spiritual advisors are on site to offer support, but for many, only the truth—painful though it may be—can provide solace. Worldwide, people have responded with an outpouring of empathy, from leaders offering condolences to strangers sharing prayers online, underscoring the shared vulnerability that binds humanity in moments of loss. Continue reading…