In Hopes of a Peaceful Paris

In Hopes of a Peaceful Paris

Logan Burnett

On Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, there were multiple disastrous terrorist attacks on Paris a little after 9:00 p.m. As of now, we know that there were eight attackers, seven of whom are dead, six of them wore vests with explosives that were detonated. Families and friends mourn lost loved ones, while America and other countries sympathize for France.

At least 129 people were killed, with explosions going off near the Stade de France where a professional soccer game was being played. Cowardly gunmen shot dozens of people in separate attacks on numerous restaurants, while 89 deaths occurred at the Bataclan Concert Hall. More than 300 innocent people were injured during these tragic assaults on the city of Paris.

French police have arrested multiple suspects and continue to hunt for other accomplices, while launching airstrikes against ISIS militants in Syria. President of France Francois Hollande told the citizens, “We are going to fight and our fight will be merciless.”

With each passing day, the world seems to be growing more dangerous; this terrorist attack in Paris only contributing to that observation. I would like to say that the night is darkest before the dawn, but in times like this it can be hard to find the dawn. Monstrosities like these attacks are why the world needs more heroes – people who will run towards the fight instead of away from it.

Why can’t humanity prove that we can be peaceful and compassionate to our fellow man? We need more human beings who will do everything in their power to protect others. We need more people who will defend those who cannot fight for themselves – people who will courageously look evil in the face and dare it to act, beating it down when it does. We need more people who will stand against hatred and support hope.

To the people who already do this – the ones who will not quit until evil has been exterminated completely and righteousness prevails – who will now come together to comfort those who lost loved ones, and those who not only mourn the passing of innocent lives but have also taken a vow to remain vigilant against the unjust terrors of the world, you should be praised and salute you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paris in their time of need and all Bel Air students should be encouraged to support each other and inspire others to be bold and courageous, in hopes that this generation can eradicate some of the evil we all face.