As you may know, Friday, November 13 marked a tragic day all around the world. Earthquakes in Japan and Mexico, a funeral bombing in Baghdad, a suicide bombing in Beirut, and the Paris terror attacks.
It started at about 9:45 PM, local time, when all within a few minutes, there was a mass shooting outside a restaurant, explosions outside a soccer stadium, where French president François Hollande was in attendance, and a shooting and hostage taking situation at Bataclan concert hall, where American band “Eagles of Death Metal” were performing.
I was in shock. I think the whole world was. François Hollande announced a state of emergency, and closed all borders. Barack Obama called the attacks “an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians”, and offered his condolences to all those affected, saying that he would gladly provide any assistance needed. “We want to be clear that we stand together with them in the fight against terrorism and extremism.” Justin Trudeau has stated that he has offered all our support and help to the government and the people. “Our hearts and thoughts and our prayers go out to our French cousins through this dark and terrible time.”
And it truly is a dark and terrible time. This attack was the most violent in France since the second World War. What started for most as an ordinary Friday night out, ended in tragedy and loss. 129 lost their lives, another 352 injured.
The social media response was almost immediate. Twitter was filled with the hashtag #PorteOuverte, meaning “Open Door”. These tweets offer a place to stay for all the Parisians stuck wandering the streets. This even expanded to Canada and America, where some people were offering aid to those stranded at airports.
Over on Instagram, this photo, created by user @jean_jullien was everywhere, accompanied with the hashtag #prayforparis:
Some of the other photos included:
And although the Eiffel tower went dark to mourn those lost, the world was showing solidarity. Buildings all over the world, lit up in the colours of France, showing their support:
Tower Bridge, London. Jack Taylor / EP
In the following days, the people of Paris were out on the streets, creating memorials and attending vigils.
And although this attack was tragic, inhumane, and cruel, it has brought Paris together. It has brought the world together.
Stay strong, Paris.