Paris. We love you and our hearts are heavy for you. What happened at Charlie Hebdo will be with us forever. The families, colleagues, and victims are in our thoughts and prayers. There is the promise that we can use this momentum of hope to move forward and make us all better people, this world a better place. A world where freedom of expression prevails. Everywhere.
Close to four million people took to the streets throughout France yesterday, and upwards of two million in Paris alone, in solidarity and support. An unprecedented number. Around the world people gathered to share, pray, and dream. We are all Charlie. We will not forget.
Written by Erica Berman for the HiP Paris Blog. All images by Palmyre Roigt. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.
WRITTEN BY
Erica Berman
Erica Berman grew up in Lexington, Mass. After graduating from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Journalism and an intensive summer at Middlebury College (Vermont), Erica went to Paris with hopes of submerging herself in French culture and perfecting her French — and she stayed 20 years. Erica is the founder of the HiP Paris Blog and Haven In her former company. She now splits her time between Paris (Montmartre) and Maine (Midcoast). She recently started a non-profit growing organic produce for the food insecure in Maine called Veggies to Table. In her all-too-rare free time, Erica likes to travel off the beaten track, explore Paris and Maine, read, take photos, cook, kayak, hike and enjoy long Sunday brunches with her friends.
Je Suis Charlie.
What is it about this that hurts so much? I believe it stems from having them attack cartoonists and artists vs. politicians or corporations. When people try to suppress writers and artists, by whatever means, it should set off major alarms.
Je suis Charlie.
My heart is heavy with the thought that so many people hate so fiercely .