In response to what French president François Hollande has called “an act of war” in Paris Nov. 13, the Rideau River Residence Association (RRRA) organized a candlelight vigil at Rideau Falls Park near the French embassy during the evening of Nov. 14.
More than 120 people were killed and hundreds of others wounded in a series of shootings and bombings carried out in Paris during the evening of Nov. 13. The attack is the worst seen in Europe since the Madrid train bombings in 2004.
The Islamic State (IS) militant group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, calling them “the first of the storm” and mocking Paris as a “capital of obscenity.” The attack in Paris follows closely after suicide bombings in Beirut that killed more than 40 people on Nov. 12, an act for which IS has also claimed responsibility.
As France entered a three-day period of national mourning, outpourings of support for the victims and the French people began to emerge from around the world.
Landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the CN Tower were lit in the colours of the French flag, and people on social media used hashtags such as #prayforparis to express their sympathy and stand in solidarity with victims.
Candles and a book of condolences were made available to attendees at the site, where a memorial of flowers, cards, and other items had accumulated.
Graham Pedregosa, RRRA president, said he was inspired to organize the vigil by his roommate, an international student from France.
Pedregosa said more than 800 people showed up after the event spread on Facebook.
“I’ve never seen so many people in one place come together for something like this,” Pedregosa said. “It was really powerful.”
Pedregosa said both an imam and a representative from the Centretown United Church were present as speakers at the vigil.
One of the vigil attendees was Taylor Maxwell, a third-year criminology student.
“I felt that I had to do something,” Maxwell said. “When I heard the news, I felt like I couldn’t just sit still. I’d heard of people lining up in Paris to donate blood and maybe this isn’t quite as helpful, but I still feel like I’m doing my part for the victims.”
Jeff Halliday, a first-year neuroscience student at the vigil, echoed similar sentiments.
“The people who committed these crimes wanted to divide us,” he said. “We have to stand together and show them that compassion is stronger than hatred.”
A book of condolences from the vigil is currently available at the RRRA office for students to sign. It will be delivered to the French embassy on Nov. 20.
