A World Unites

After the disgusting, and horrific attacks in Paris on Friday night, which left 132 dead, and many injured, the world united as one.

Over the weekend, many of the world’s most famous landmarks – From St Georges Hall in Liverpool, to Wembley Stadium in London, to New York’s Empire State Building, they were all lit up in the colours of the french flag – blue, white and red, to show their support for the people of France.

St Georges Hall, Liverpool lit up in french colours to show solidarity.

Many cities across the world stood silent and held vigils to remember all those who died, and to pray for the many who were injured, and that the attackers would be caught… and fast. And a book of condolence was opened in cities across the world.

On Friday night, the Eiffel Tower was placed into darkness in mourning of the victims, but today (Monday 16 November), the tower was once again lit, this time in the colours of the french flag, in tribute to all those who lost their life.

The Eiffel Tower is lit in the colours of the French flag.

France is a country on edge (understandably so), but we have to remember, this wasn’t just an attack on the people of Paris, it was an attack on our way of life. ISIS must be stopped, and our way of life protected.

Terrorism will never win.

A horrifying night…

As many of us we’re out drinking, having fun with friends, watching TV, or simply getting ready for bed, a horrifying moment in history was unfolding in Paris.

Late on Friday night (13th November), the people of Paris were being attacked by an unknown group of people, intent on killing as many of them as possible.

As the night unfolded, news agencies were reporting that a group of men had stormed a restaurant, concert hall, and shopping mall – shooting people, one by one.

Earlier that evening, the French national football team were playing Germany in an international friendly at the Stade de France, when an explosion was heard outside the stadium – this (as we’ve come to realise now), was the start of the unlawful, and horrifying attacks on this city.

After that shuddering explosion, and reports of hostages being taken in a restaurant and concert hall, French President Francois Hollande, placed France on lockdown – closing its borders with neighboring countries, and flights in/out were cancelled.

Waking up on Saturday, the true realisation of what happened in Paris on Friday night came to fruition. 132 people sadly lost their lives in the attacks, 352 have been injured (99 of them critically) through a series of shootings and explosions.

Flowers placed outside Le Carillon, Paris via Sky News.

Terrorist group IS have claimed responsibility for the attacks, releasing a statement saying France and other countries will ”remain targets”, if they continue air strikes against the terror group.

Francois Hollande has called the attack an ”act of war’, and has announced three days of national mourning for the country.

Across the weekend we’ve seen countless images of some of the worlds most famous landmarks being lit up in french colours – from the Empire State Building in New York, to the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and St Georges Hall in Liverpool.

St Georges Hall, Liverpool lit up in french colours to show solidarity.

These attacks are absolutely sickening, and have been carried out by a group of people hellbent on causing heartache, destruction and war – wherever they can. In this terrible situation, it can be quick for people to judge a whole religion based on whats happened, but we have to remember it’s a small percentage of extremists who carried out this shocking event, not an entire religion. Instead of tearing ourselves apart at this terrible time, all religions should be coming together in solidarity, to send a message to IS – you may hurt us, but you’ll never defeat us.

#PrayForParis