Terrorists want to inspire fear. They want people to hide. They want people to run.
But they have under-estimated the people of Paris.
On a night filled with fear and confusion, the survivors of the bombing at the Stade de France have emerged singing their country’s national anthem.
You can watch the brave survivors here:
The people inside that stadium heard the explosions outside. They heard the sirens. They were at risk, exposed.
But they stood up.
They stood up and they showed that they would not be cowed by terrorists. They would not run screaming. They would calmly and bravely show the world who they were: A brave people with a history of resistance and a tradition of banding together.
READ MORE ABOUT THE PARIS ATTACKS:
Yesterday, 153 people died, with separate attacks happening in a restaurant, a concert hall, and outside the stadium.
It was a coordinated attack on the people of France.
It was an attack designed to break people, both physically and emotionally.
But tonight, the people of Paris showed that they will not be broken.
Tonight, the lights on the Eiffel Tower were turned off in a show of respect to the people who have lost their lives.
You can watch that moment below. Post continues after:
But watching the people of Paris sing their national anthem at a time of fear reminds us that the light will never go out in the City of Lights.
It’s the people of Paris who carry it within them
We hope and pray for their safety.
Support is available for Australians with friends and family in Paris:
The Australian Embassy phone number in Paris is +33140593300 for those trying to contact friends and family in the region .
24-HOUR CONSULAR EMERGENCY HELPLINE
Within Australia: 1300 555 135
Outside Australia: +61 2 6261 3305
SMS: +61 421 269 080
Website: Getting help overseas http://smartraveller.gov.au/help/