Three groups of terrorists attacked six different locations throughout Paris on the night of Friday, Nov. 13, including a concert hall, the soccer stadium and at least two restaurants, reported cnn.com. At least 130 people were killed and more than 350 wounded. Even with counterstrikes and further terrorist threats, the French citizens and the world are rising out of the smoky dust with hope.
“It was a typical Friday night with a concert and a soccer game,” said Josh Wallace, a senior majoring in music percussion performance from California, who served his mission in the Paris France Mission from 2012-2014. “They probably attacked Paris to scare the world. It is an international capitol city with people from around the globe visiting.”
Brian Houghton, professor of political science, said, “Terrorists want to exploit fear and are using it as a weapon. They want people to second guess their government with questions like: ‘Why are we involved in the conflict in Syria?’ or ‘Why are we allowing immigrants in?’”
Houghton said, “It is very typical for a country to come together after a terrorist attack and become stronger and cohesive in their resolve. You also find people being very supportive of their government, even though decisions are taking away some of the civil liberties of the people themselves.” The New York Times reported France retaliated on Nov. 15 by bombing the Syrian city of Raqqa, the self-declared capitol of ISIS.
“Nonetheless, people are very hopeful,” said Wallace, who read comments by friends in France via Facebook and Snapchat. “They are mourning, but at the same time, they have been staying strong. People have been gathering, lighting candles and singing the national anthem. People are positive, going forward, and are more united after this attack.”
Carol Helekunihi, professor of History, whose daughter left Paris the Wednesday before the attacks, said, “The positive spirit coming out of France makes them stronger.”
Facebook not only made an overlay of the French flag for profile pictures to show compassion, but also activated its safety check feature, which has been used during previous disasters, allowing users living in Paris to let their friends and family know they are safe in one easy click, reports mirror.co.uk.
Wallace further said, “The Army football team ran out on the field with the American and the French flag,” before it’s game against Tulane on Nov. 14. Professional football teams also had a moment of silence at the beginning of the games over the weekend. “It is cool to see how people have paid their respects internationally,” Wallace said.
Despite international support for France, the causes of terror have not been eliminated. BYUH professors explained how the terrorist attacks, and Europe’s instability and fear are linked to immigration from the Middle East and a frail European economy. ISIS uses fear to get people to leave their home countries so terrorists can hide among the genuine refugees, said Houghton.
He continued, “What will [the European public] insist their governments do in regard to the refugees? We will have to watch and see the character of the Europeans, if they can overlook the sins of a small group and be welcoming to the rest of the people.” Helekunihi criticized the respond of the media.
“So they really want us to go out and kill 57 billion Muslims worldwide because of a handful of freaky extremists. It is ignorance. We do have commonality with a lot of people from all kinds of religions. When you feel self-empowered, which I think the gospel gives us, you don’t have to demonize others.”
She also believes their can be positive reaction to the attacks. “There is plenty of people globally who have that compassion. Their first reaction is ‘What can we do for each other?’”
The wave of immigrants, said Houghton, “will forever change the face of Europe. A traditional Christian will now have Muslim influence on the border. France already has millions, so has Germany. That can be good.That can be bad. We don’t know, but it will bring change.”
Commenting on the opportunities for growth after disasters and hardships, Helekunihi referred to Haiti. “After the earthquake (2010), the church came in with humanitarian aid and now we are building a temple there. These terrible things give us opportunities to reach out.”
Wallace gave a reason for hope when he said, “Even with Satan being stronger than ever, we don’t have reason to fear. Christ will win. We know that. We have to just keep that in mind and use that hope to move forward.”