Ten years after surviving the deadliest jihadi attack in Paris, Eva considers the tragedy to be a “part” of herself. For the first time, he broke his silence and spoke about how he is trying to overcome the attack, which has deeply shocked French society.
That Friday night, November 13, 2015, she was celebrating her best friend’s birthday. He was smoking on the sidewalk with three friends when jihadists opened fire on the restaurant, killing 21 people..
He still remembers the ‘horrible silence’ between shots. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the left side of his body, including his leg. they had to amputate his leg below the knees “Big scar” On your arm.
“It’s been 10 years, it’s a part of me.”says a 35-year-old woman who did not want to give her last name.
That night, special forces from a jihadist group islamic country they killed 130 people Near the French capital’s concert halls, restaurants and bars, as well as the neighboring Saint-Denis football stadium.
This attack had a huge impact on France. This Thursday, various ceremonies will be held in memory of the victims.
Eva, who has a prosthetic leg, declares that she is “very healthy.” but “Life isn’t easy every day”he points out.
In the summer, he still feels the gaze of strangers on the scar on his arm. He considered undergoing reconstructive surgery, but added: “I have dark skin so that would be complicated.”
And although he continues to go to bars, “Never again” he would turn his back on the street.
For some survivors and families of victims, The anniversary of the attack only reignites fear.
“He’s chasing us.”say Bilal Mokonoabout 50 years old, was injured in a suicide bomb attack near the Stade de France and was in a wheelchair.
Since then, he has spoken from his home on the outskirts of Paris. “I’m having trouble sleeping.” After the attack He lost the use of his legs and left ear. And his right arm remains “very vulnerable.”
Only one person died in the attack, Manuel Diaz63 years old. your daughter, Sophie Diazfears that the memory of this “unique father” will be lost.
“We feel his absence every day (…) It is important to commemorate the 10th anniversary.”he explains.
Not everyone shares his perspective. Fabien Petit He wants people to move on. your brother-in-law, Nicholas Degenhardtdied at the age of 37 in a cafe in Bonne Bières along with four others.
“I can’t keep reliving November 13th over and over again.” After being plagued by “dark thoughts” for a while, the man claims he “feels better.”
I still get emotional when I remember the tragedy, “The trial helped (him).”. The process, which lasted 10 months from 2021 to 2022, ended with the following conclusions: The only surviving member of the assault group, Salah Abdeslam, was sentenced to life in prison.
Aurélie Silvestrewhose partners are Mathieu Girouxdied in the concert hall Bataclan He, along with 89 others, recounted the incident in a book.
“I feel like writing allows me to pick up some of the wreckage and put it back together.”That’s what I say. when he lost his partner, sylvester was pregnant.
“Given the circumstances, I’m fine, I’m very well, but of course it’s not easy. I’m raising two children alone whose father was murdered.”he added.
Some people survived the attack, but they were not spared from its effects.
chemist Guillaume Valette and graphic novelist fred dewilde they fought for years mental scars before taking his own life.
“I’ll never forget the sound of that machine gun.”Valette was left in the care of her parents, Arlette and Alain Valette. They still remember their son’s words eight years after his death. He “lost his smile”said the father. AFP.
After his death, His parents fought for their son to be recognized as victim number 131.. His name is now inscribed next to his name on the Nov. 13 commemorative plaque. Dewildepassed away in 2024.
Resources for treating psychological trauma in France have improved since 2015according to psychiatrist Thierry Beauvais, remains restricted in some areas.
“There are victims of the November 13 attacks who continue to suffer and are not seeking help.” declare to AFPpoints out that a common barrier is “the fear of not being understood.”
but “It’s never too late” he emphasizes.
My 17 year old daughter Laura Eric Ouzunianwhen he died at the Bataclan, his therapist warned him: “You’ll never get over it and you’ll always feel alone.”
“Ten years later, that’s still true. You never recover from the loss of a child.”said the 60-year-old journalist, drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette.
In 2015, he refused to attend a memorial service in Paris and wrote the following eulogy: He criticized the state for domestic policies that had created a “zone of despair”.
Living conditions in these areasThe origins of some jihadists have not improved since then; Authorities continue to ‘disparage’ residentshe said.
for historians Dennis PechanskyAs the years go by, The French are no longer able to list the places where attacks have taken place.. he Bataclan This is still the best known, but there were many others.
romanA survivor of the La Belle Equipe restaurant attack, he decided to speak out so that people would not forget the concert hall massacre.
“Sometimes we feel forgotten.”says the 34-year-old man, who did not want to give his last name.
Years after the attack, he made up his mind. become a teacher: “Teaching history and geography not only helps prevent something like this from happening again; Please tell the young people what happened to us. ”
(From AFP information)
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