KUALA LUMPUR: IN an outpouring of grief and sympathy over the tragedy that hit Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, people from around the world united via social media to express their condolences.
Popular search engine Google, famous for its themed doodles based on daily or historic events, displayed a lit candle in memory of the victims of flight MH17. A Google spokesperson said they were united in support of MH17.
On Facebook, Malaysia Airlines changed its cover photo to a grey backdrop, signifying mourning for the innocent lives lost in the tragedy.
Many people also expressed their support for the national carrier during this difficult time on the airline’s Facebook page.
Elsewhere on Facebook and Twitter, hashtag #MH17 and #PrayforMH17 are trending, as more people took to social media to express their condolences, shock, grief as well as pose questions as to why innocent people died.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shared his status, saying “Just called Malaysian PM Najib Razak to offer condolences and assistance in the #MH17 crash. It is a terrible tragedy, especially coming after MH370, and we stand in sorrow and solidarity with Malaysia. — LHL”
Singer Maher Zain on his Facebook page posted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers on Flight #MH17 that was shot down earlier. May Allah give you all the strength and patience to make it through this tragedy!!!”
American fashion model Kimora Lee Simmons also expressed her sympathy on Facebook, posting: “Praying for all those affected by the tragic crash of #MalaysianAirlines #MH17 this is why ‘Have a safe flight’ means so much!”
On Twitter, many people mourned for the AIDS researchers on board the flight, saying they could have contributed to curing the disease if they had not died tragically.
casey @andshesfearless tweeted: “the fact that the cure for AIDS could literally have been on that plane is just devastating. #MH17”
Harold Itzkowitz @HaroldItz said: “The evil brutes who shot down #MH17 killed more people than just the passengers. How many lives would've been saved by the AIDS scientists?”
Many also expressed sadness over the loss of innocent lives because of war, adding they were getting tired of seeing dead bodies.
Resya Barnez @resyabarnez tweeted: “War has taken lives! That is what war can do to us. The innocents (sic) are the victims. Our deepest condolences for your loss #mh17 #worldpeace.”
In his tweet, Yoosuf Muhammad said: “Now I am tired on (sic) seeing dead bodies. For a month long I’ve been seeing victims from #GAZA to #MH17, but seems no one care about civilians.”
Dinesh Karthik @DineshKarthik tweeted: “First, Israel’s assault on Gaza and now #MH17. Lot of innocent lives lost in the process. It is deeply saddening to hear of such things.”
Prominent figures and international celebrities also urged Malaysians and the rest of the world to stay calm and be strong during such trying times.
Zimbabwe Mufti Ismail Menk @muftimenk called on Malaysians to be strong in such times: “Malaysians are being tested in a great way. Special prayers, deepest condolences and sympathies to the “Nation of Love”. Sad crash of #MH17.”
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan @iamsrk urged everyone not to wage war against another: “May Allah give strength to the families that lost their loved ones in the MH17 tragedy. & may the world become strong enuff not to wage war.”
Britain Prime Minister David Cameron @David_Cameron also tweeted: “I spoke to @BarackObama tonight about the #MH17 disaster. We agreed on the need for independent investigation and full access to crash site.”
Actor Aaron Aziz @AaronDwiAziz tweeted: “Keeping up with the news. Sedih baca all the articles on #MH17 YA ALLAH pls give as much strength to all the families. ALLAH Maha besar.”
