It is with a heavy heart that I, along with the rest of the world, mourn for Paris and the events that have followed this weekend. For those who do not know, it is confirmed that Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or, ISIS, for short, is responsible for bombings and shootings at local bars, restaurants, the national stadium, and even a hostage situation at a concert hall on Friday. They claim from a local statement that this will be the first of many. France’s president, François Hollande, was seen at the stadium to watch France play soccer against Germany. Words cannot express how deeply I wish to go out there and lend a helping hand for support, but the best I can do now is offer my prayers.
My question is…why? Why must human beings attack one another for reasons that to this day I have a hard time understanding? It’s absolutely mind boggling to think that there are activist groups out there who wish to harm others for the sole purpose of disagreements or other reasons that remain unspoken. President Obama shares his thoughts by stating this is an "outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians." Regardless of where these people come from, violence is violence and humans perpetrate violence on other human beings. It does not matter if you are a Catholic, Muslim, or even someone who does not wish to celebrate a religion at all, violence does not discriminate.
It is confirmed now, as of Saturday, November 14, 2015, that 121 are dead and hundreds are wounded and seeking treatment in local hospitals. It is also confirmed that the eight gunmen held responsible are dead as well. Seven were suicide bombers and one was gunned down by the police force.
I can only imagine what it must be like for the people of Paris…and the closest thing I can relate to it is the attacks on that dreadful day of September 11th. Most of the teenagers of my generation were young then, but to this day we all don’t forget what happened to my beloved New York, as well as the residences of the state itself. I do not remember much as my mother and father sought to protect my brothers and me that violence of that nature should not be seen at that age. I thank you for not shedding that light, Mom and Dad, but it is time to open our eyes that this world is still spinning. Violence all across the nations are still being heard and blood is still being spilled.
Why can’t we stop these atrocities? Why can’t we all come together and get along? Why is it that once we have a disagreement, war must be sprung upon? Is that the only answer? I can’t put my finger on this and maybe I won’t live to see an answer when I am old and questioning everything that has lead me up until that point.
Please, I ask of you, all of you, to offer a moment of silence for Paris. Hug your loved ones and remind them that you appreciate everything they do for you. This world is constantly changing. Love and generosity should be the answer, not more violence and hatred. United we stand, divided we fall. We are all here for you, Paris and the other places that have been affected.
