This week in PostMag: standing together with the people of Tai Po
We spoke with people on the ground giving their time and energy to help relief efforts after the fire at Wang Fuk Court
I hope this is the hardest editor’s letter I ever have to write.
Over the past 10 days, somewhere on the internet, you’ve likely already read any sentiment I’d like to type. Or you’ve heard it in conversation. Tragic, devastating, heavy. I’ve grasped for other words, if only for variety’s sake, but these are the ones I keep coming back to, like everybody else. They’re accurate and true.
When news of the Tai Po fire broke on November 26, we were in the midst of sending off pages for that weekend’s issue. I’ll always remember those hours clearly as the severity of the disaster and its human impact quickly came into sharp focus. I’m sure that’s true for many of you. Over the days to come, we grappled – personally and professionally – with how to continue going forward while others were undergoing such sorrow. (If you missed us last week, part of our decision was to stop the presses and postpone last weekend’s print issue.)
It’s universally true that it’s the hard times that show one’s real character. And though the grief and pain have been immense and unspeakable, Hong Kong has been unstoppable. People showed up – and then just kept showing up. Donations poured in. Blood banks filled.
On the cover, photographer Tam captured a flock of egrets – across cultures, a symbol of perseverance among many things – in flight over Wang Fuk Court the Sunday after the fire. A striking ode to the Hong Kong spirit.