Millikin University holding candlelight vigil to honor Paris attack victims

Dozens of students at the University of North Florida came together Monday evening to remember the lives lost in the Paris attack. He said he was shaken up when he learned the country he was in was under attack.

Organizations such as the Lebanese Student Association, the Muslim Student Association, the French Club and United We Coexist have joined the event, according to organizers. We are just here to tell them that we are here with you, other people are here with you. French students at the College in attendance spoke about their experiences witnessing these events far from home.

Taquet grew more concerned after watching the aftermath on television, hoping friends in Paris were okay. “It’s kind of like going to a funeral, basically”, said Taquet. “I felt a lot of understanding around me here”. He said the outpouring of support for the French people has been overwhelming among students. “I just couldn’t not watch”, she said. “I haven’t had much discrimination but I know that’s out there”, Osmani said. “So even if it’s really hard to be away from France right now and from my friends, I feel like I have support here at William and Mary, and it’s a good thing”.

The vigil includes a “moment of solidarity” to uplift everyone after tragedies and terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut, Baghdad, Nigeria, Syria, Mexico, Japan, Gaza and many more.

The Muslim attendees at the event said they said they wanted to send a message that what happened in Paris is not what their religion teaches. She spoke on the importance of honoring the victims of attacks in other communities.

Muslim, Jewish, Christian and atheist students all gathered together Monday walking the campus of UNF to support for the victims in Paris. French Professor Scott Shinabargar helped plan the vigil.