On Paris

Last night, the world was rocked by news of violent attacks in Paris, the "city of light." Here in the United States, the news broke out as workers prepared to depart the office for the weekend, and the people of France were relaxing at cafes, restaurants and bars on a busy Friday night. For many, their lives will never be the same. They will have lost a loved one, someone they kissed goodbye that morning, or a friend they just called or traded comments with on social media. And for the people of France, their futures are now fraught with the fears of the unknown, of how they will as a society grapple with the question how to respond to terrorism.

Some early evidence point to the conflict in Syria between the Islamic State and the Western coalition as the catalyst for last night's attacks. IS has claimed responsibility, along with the downing of the Russian plane two weeks ago. The world is anxious, afraid and on high alert against future attacks. For me, the saddest part of these atrocities is its impact upon the human consciousness, of how those left behind are beset by crippling regret and doubt, uncertain of whether they can carry on with the same convictions they once had.

Here in the West, where we are untouched by the daily violence and danger faced by those in Syria and other conflict zones, it is hard for us to comprehend what life is like under those conditions. Which is why last night's attack in Paris was so shocking. For most of us, losing a loved one to violence is a rare occurrence. We take for granted that the ones we love will come home to us each night, that our belongings and livelihood are safe, and that things we know and care for will remain stable through time. This is not the realities of people who live in conflict zones. Each day brings new dangers. Each time you see you loved ones may be the last. And yet they carry on living as best as they can. Or they flee their lands through dangerous sea and land passages, with hundreds drowning or freezing to death in the process.

Last night's attacks were the results of political instability and religious conflicts set in motion over decades ago. They were the fruits of intolerance and oppression, now ripened into blood and tears for not only the people of the Middle East, but the entire globe. Those who were previously untouched by violence are now sucked into its vortexes, unable to escape its growing grasp across all demographics.

The question we need to ask ourselves is how we have each contributed to this event, whether it is through direct action or inaction. Did we participate by being silent witnesses to the Syrian conflict and not demanding that our elected officials step in to provide conflict resolution or aid? Or have we been agents of hatred and bigotry, demanding that we add more violence to the already escalating atrocities and growing anti-West sentiments? There are many questions that remain unanswered but must be asked to help us untangle the complex issue of terrorism.

For now, I would like to send courage and serenity to the people of Paris, to tell them the rest of the world is watching and hoping with our hearts that their city of light will not be diminished. That we hope they will use this event to shine their light into the dark recesses of prejudice and hatred and to create change with their continued hope and love during this difficult time.