This Thursday, France paid emotional tribute to the 130 people killed in attacks by Islamic State militants and suicide bombers that targeted cafes, restaurants and the Bataclan concert hall 10 years ago.
The attack, the deadliest on French soil since World War II, traumatized the national psyche and prompted emergency security measures, many of which are now incorporated into law.
The attacks on November 13, 2015 began with a suicide bombing that killed bus driver Manuel Díaz outside the Stade de France stadium, followed by gunmen opening fire at five other locations in central Paris.
“Since November 13, there has been a void that cannot be filled,” Diaz’s daughter Sophie said at the ceremony, her voice shaking with tears as she recalled the constant calls her family made throughout the night trying to contact her father, only to be told later that he was the attacker’s first victim.
“May we raise awareness among the younger generation, impart the values of our republic and remind them of all the innocent lives lost, like my father who left too soon for no reason,” she said.
French President Emmanuel Macron was among the dignitaries who expressed condolences to Diaz and the other victims with a minute’s silence and a floral tribute outside the Stade de France.
Throughout the day, Mr Macron, survivors and relatives of the victims will pay their respects to those killed and injured at each attack site.
Two survivors of the attack later committed suicide, bringing the death toll to 132, according to victims’ organizations.
Historian Dennis Pechansky said what made the November 13 attacks unique, targeting places where people went to play, was “the fact that everyone was a potential victim.”
“The terrorists wanted to attack this culture that is ours: a culture of joy, celebration, diversity, sharing and music,” Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo told RTL radio.
Ten years later, the threat of such attacks in France has changed.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told BFM television: “It is unlikely that an attack like the one we unfortunately suffered 10 years ago on November 13th will occur. The weakening of the Islamic State makes it much less likely.”
“However, the threat remains high…because there are individuals within the country who become radicalized very quickly and plan acts of violence.”
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