2 min read
I have been to Paris on many occasions in the past. But, as I stepped off the Eurostar at Gare du Nord last Sunday, it was palpably different.
The streets of Paris were filled with thousands of people, united in thought and sentiment. People were waiting, conversing with hushed voices, conscious of a dark cloud that hung over us. The mood was similar to that which one experiences at a cemetery just prior to a funeral. But, here it was being experienced on a vast, unprecedented scale.
And then, I was marching with millions. We were from different faiths and diverse backgrounds. We shared feelings of grief, pain and concern for France and for a vulnerable world. Above all, we shared the powerful feeling of fraternity. Shoulder to shoulder, we filled the streets of Paris to declare our unwavering support for the democratic principles that underpin our society.
The three terrorist incidents had all been fused into one and we were mindful of past atrocities as well. Standing next to me was the father of one of the victims of the terrorist attack at a Jewish school in Toulouse less than three years ago. He was grieving afresh for his son together with the latest victims of terror.
Accompanying Chief Rabbi of France Haim Korsia at events through the day, I did not envy the challenges that he has: to mourn with his community, recognise the real dangers that they face, while giving hope and encouragement to his flock, seeking to rebuild confidence in the ability of French Jewry to face a bright future. Indeed, while the question of potential Jewish emigration is being widely aired, I came across many with a quiet determination to contribute to a strong Jewish future in France.
I heard many emotional accounts of how the Jews of Paris had entered into Shabbat filled with desperation, not knowing how the drama at the kosher hypermarket would conclude. The trauma was still deeply evident.
On Sunday evening, the Jewish community came in great numbers to draw comfort and strength from one another at the historic Great Synagogue on the Rue de la Victoire. I was privileged to be invited to lead some of the prayers at the rapidly arranged memorial service. Particularly moving was the moment when, in the presence of world leaders, 17 candles were lit, one for each of the Paris victims.
As I reflect on what I personally witnessed on Sunday, I strongly believe that the remarkable outpouring of positive public sentiment around the world must serve as a catalyst for change. Paris on Sunday saw the coming together of Jews, Christians, Muslims and many other members of a shared society that we care passionately about, refusing to be cowed by fear, intimidation and terror.
What will governments and communities do now? We must uphold our freedoms and provide security to all communities under threat. We must work harder with different faith groups and across communities to explore our shared values and to respect and better understand our differences. We must treat the root causes of the challenges we face and expose religious extremism as a cynical abuse and desecration of God's name.
We have just experienced a most powerful and painful wake-up call for us as Jews and for all of Western civilisation. The success of Sunday's historic march will depend on what we do next.