Praying for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks in France

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. In the past two years, France has intensified its anti-terrorism efforts, raising the alert level to "Vigipirate." As a primary target for terrorism in Europe, heavily armed soldiers are frequently seen patrolling public spaces such as airports, train stations, busy districts, and tourist attractions day and night. They are stationed at Jewish gathering places and schools, and announcements on subway trains remind passengers to watch their luggage and report any suspicious objects to staff. The subways often experience fake terror alerts, creating an atmosphere of fear and anxiety throughout society.

Following the terrorist massacre at the Bataclan theater in Paris, the government declared a state of emergency, placing the entire country on high alert. This was especially strict during the European Cup football tournament held in France. Although the French team did not achieve their desired results, they at least safely survived this difficult period of heightened security. However, no one expected that on the evening of France's symbolic National Day, after the dazzling fireworks display, a bloody attack would occur again on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, a holiday resort on the Côte d'Azur, resulting in heavy casualties. This serious incident stained the Côte d'Azur with blood, shocking France, Europe, and the world.

In just eighteen months, France experienced three serious terrorist attacks involving bloodshed, all with heavy casualties. Since the January 2015 terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo, French citizens were awakened to the reality that terrorism or disasters could happen within their own country. Previously, news of terrorist attacks usually came from other places; people would listen and move on, feeling no empathy in this busy society, as if it were too far removed from their lives. Isolated incidents also appeared frequently in the news, such as the beheading case at a factory in southern France or the shooting on the Thalys high-speed train from Brussels to Paris. Defenses are endless, yet threats persist. The early-year attacks at the Bataclan theater, the street restaurant shooting, and the suicide bombing inside the Grand Stadium once again shocked France and Europe.

As virtue rises, vice grows stronger. During the highly secured National Day celebrations, no one expected the Côte d'Azur to turn into a nightmare on France's Bastille Day. It seems France has become the primary target for terrorism in Europe. I do not understand why, but I will seek to deeply understand this. These three terrorist attacks did not occur while I was physically in France, but I felt them deeply. Through this text, I pray for the innocent victims of the terrorist attacks in France and wish for world peace. It seems souls have their own choices. Rest in peace.