At St. Paul's Chapel, near the site of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York, Russians and Americans stood side by side to remember the victims of two Moscow bombings this week.
Audrey Yushmanov, the consul general of the Russian Federation in New York City, was joined in ringing the church bell by the Reverend Doctor James Cooper, the rector of St. Paul's Chapel.
The Bell of Hope, a gift to New York from London in 2002, has been rung following similar attacks in London, Madrid and Mumbai and on September 11th anniversaries.
Russian Consul General Yushmanov said he was shocked by what he called "a terrorist crime."
"All people should unite their efforts in the fight with international terrorism," said General Yushmanov. "And, I'm sure, all these events are one in the same in the chain of international terrorism. Those who planned these attacks will pay for this. They should be brought to justice. And I'm sure that will be the case."
Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov has claimed responsibility for the Moscow subway bombings.
Yushmanov said the bombings had greater purpose than just killing those on the metro.
"I think one of the tasks for those who planned the attacks against Russia was to frighten the people, to prevent the government in their fight against terrorism," he said.
While talking to reporters about 90 meters from where more than 2,750 people died in the World Trade Center terror attack, Yushmanov thanked those who have expressed their condolences to the Russian people.
"I'm sure there is solidarity," said Yushmanov. "We receive many letters from ordinary people from different organizations with condolences, with assurance that Russian people are not alone in their tragedy. And I am very grateful for condolences and warm feelings to us."
It was from St. Paul's Chapel that an eight month volunteer relief effort began after the 2001 terrorist attacks. Since then, the church has become the home for tributes to victims of terrorism.
