Marking the one week anniversary of the terror attacks in Paris, hundreds of people gathered in Place de la République on Friday to mourn the dead in solidarity, and to show the resilience of their spirits in song and dance - a signal that life there will go on. Following the horrendous acts of hatred and violence in their city, Parisians have come together to celebrate life in remembrance of the victims. It is clear that the French will not cower in fear, but rise in hope and love.

Place de la République has become a common gathering place for Parisians to reflect and pay tribute to the deceased; first after the Charlie Hebdo attacks in January, and now following the recent ISIS-related attacks across Paris that killed at least 130 people. On Friday night, hundreds of people milled about a memorial surrounding the statue of Marianne. Flowers, handwritten signs and tealight candles filled the area.

A large group gathered around a set of speakers and danced to cheerful, up-tempo Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson songs, some with drinks in their hands. “Fraternité!” one of the dancers shouted. “Fraternité, mes frères!” (buzzfeed.com) Later on, one man set up his own speaker and sang John Lennon's "Imagine," followed by several French songs. Others held up signs for "Free Hugs," an obvious symbol of the abundance of love felt in the city.

Following such a tragic and unexplainable act of terror, it is difficult to remain hopeful and remember that there is still a lot of good left in the world. French artists and cultural figures had called for people to mark the moment with an outpouring of "noise and light;" and Parisians are doing just that. The French are sending a clear message to ISIS, and all those who perpetuate hatred and violence: love will overcome.