On the eve of Nov. 13 into the morning hours of Nov. 14, terrorist attacks rocked the 10th and 11th Arrondissements of Paris.
The attacks, which killed at least 120 people, have been claimed by the Islamic State. Six areas in Paris were targeted including Le Bataclan concert hall, several restaurants, and outside a national stadium where onlookers were enjoying a football match. ISIS used suicide bombers and shooters to attack each place.
President Francois Hollande has ordered the borders of France to be closed along with other safety measures. The metros have been shut down and residents have been told to stay indoors; word of the violence has spread quickly — the immediate safety of Paris' residents is the most important.
These are the facts as we know them right now. When the people of France are able to learn more about the attacks, more information will surface. However, at this very moment, the most important things is to stand with Paris. We must send them our strength, send them our courage, and hope they have the ability to heal and surmount this terrible tragedy. We as a nation have known what it feels like to be lost in anguish. It is time to show our support for France.
Less than a year after the attacks on Charlie Hebdo, France has been shaken again. Yet, in the aftermath of Charlie Hebdo the people of France took to the streets, arming themselves with the slogan "Je suis Charlie" (I am Charlie), providing them support and solidarity in a time where they had every right to be confused and broken and yet were not. Francois Hollande has called for three official days of mourning. But after these three days are over, I expect nothing less than to see the people of Paris take to the streets once again. I expect to see them asserting their strength and their love for the country they call home, and making ISIS see that being a part of France is more important than being the victim of a senseless act of violence.
I invite everyone to stand with Paris.
Pour Paris et pour la France, nous vous envoyons le courage et la force de surmonter cette tragedie.
