Eight terrorists in affiliation with ISIS, coordinated six different attacks throughout Paris on Friday November 13, resulting in 129 deaths, and successfully declaring what would be known as Paris’s Night of Terror.
During the Germany vs. France soccer match, two bombs exploded outside of the Stade De France, France’s national stadium, killing four people. However the bombs outside of the stadium were just the beginning. Approximately 5 minutes later, gunmen arrived at busy restaurants throughout the city, killing a total of 39 people. 28 were seriously injured.
“I’m not positive on why ISIS chose to attack Paris besides the attack that happened a little while ago when they went after that journalist for writing about ISIS. I think a big reason was the fact that Paris is such a tourist area and that since there are so many people wandering the streets, in restaurants, and at events like that concert, it was I guess their opportunity to strike and make their impression,” NHS sophomore Nicole Germak said.
The suicide bomber’s intentions were to detonate the bomb inside of the stadium, but they were turned away by security before entering. But while walking away from the stadium; the first bomber proceeded to discharge the bomb. The explosion could be heard from the inside during the match, but the game was not halted. Afterwards, thousands of fans flooded the field in attempt to evacuate as fast as possible.
“I feel really concerned for the victims. Although I’m not related to any of them, I can imagine what it must feel like to lose an innocent friend or family member by such violent, depraved people. I also feel kind of impotent because I have no way to help; obviously if I could stop terrorist attacks I would, but it’s just so out of the question,” NHS sophomore Jordan Stofko said.
Shortly after, the third suicide bomber blew himself up in the same district inside of a restaurant. No one died however there were several serious injuries. At the same time, perhaps the most brutal part of the night commenced. Three armed men arrived at a concert venue called Bataclan. A band from the United States, Eagles of Death Metal, was in the midst of their show when the men separated throughout the room. Suddenly gun shots were heard from inside and people, assuming the noises were a part of the performance, kept dancing and singing until bodies started to collapse next to them. The shooters were on a rampage, killing whoever was in sight, as well as taking people and keeping them hostage in front of the stage. A total of 89 people were killed at the venue. Many said that they hid under piles of bodies, and pretended to be dead in order to stay alive.
“I am terrified for the world we live in today. Kids are growing up in this violent world learning horrible things that are happening to people and it is not right. Back in the day there was little to worry about and now we have to worry about putting our kids on the bus and wondering if we will even see them at the end of the day,” Germak said.
The following day, a world-wide manhunt for the remaining ISIS terrorists who were a part of the massacre took place. The Parisian military also proceeded to bomb the ISIS training camps in Syria. Furthermore, ISIS released statements and a video about their plan to attack the United States as well as other nations, encouraging perhaps another world war.
“If things really just start to escalate internationally with the situation in the Middle East, which is already starting to, and as much as I don’t want to say it and don’t want to admit it, It could definitely happen,” NHS junior Ben Marini said.
It is no secret that the world endured perhaps one of its most tragic nights on November 13, but there is nothing left to do besides move forward. As the Eiffel tower turned off its lights for the night, the rest of the world turned on theirs. The Paris flag’s red, white, and blue was displayed in lights all around the globe at major city attractions, including New York City’s World Trade Center, the Tower Bridge in London, and the Christ the redeemer statue in Rio De Janeiro in honor of those who died on the tragic night. Paris’s response to the attacks was to practice perseverance. The next night, Parisians went out to shows, ate at restaurants, and carried on with their lives. The iconic Charlie Hebdo comic even responded with the headline “They have weapons, screw them we have champagne”. A cartoonist for the magazine later released a statement in response to the world’s sympathy.
“Friends from the whole world, thank you for #prayforParis, but we don’t need more religion! Our faith goes to music! Kisses! Life! Champagne and joy! #Parisisaboutlife” Charlie Hebdo cartoonist Joann Sfar said, allowing the city of love to not be overcome by hate.
Image Courtesy of theodysseyonline.com