In the aftermath of the Paris terrorist attacks, a French immigrant and resident of Lethbridge took the initiative to organize a rally to try and promote unity through love, freedom and awareness.

Oct. 13 marked a historic and brutal terrorist attack in France. While many residents took to their televisions and phones to keep current on the latest global crisis, Joanna Waszkiewicz took to downtown Lethbridge, along with family and supporters, to voice her prayers and concerns in the wake of the terror attacks.

“I’m French and this comes really close to my heart,” said Waszkiewicz.

“This is not the moment to be angry at someone and point fingers. Of course there is someone to blame, but it should be a moment to draw strength out of our pain and make sure we are welcoming to people who need us,” she explained.

Seven coordinated terrorist attacks were carried out throughout France simultaneously just after 9:20 p.m. on Friday October 13.

According to London’s Daily Telegraph website, the death toll is 129, with over 99 people in critical condition and approximately 350 injured.

The attack started with a bomb blast outside the French Stadium where President Francois Hollande was watching an internationally friendly soccer match between France and Germany. Attacks continued eight kilometres away where gunmen unloaded bullets at patrons at a fashionable bars and restaurants, with even more suicide bombings. The last target of the night’s deadliest assault was at a packed concert hall during a rock show.

In light of the incidents, 24 hour media coverage has sparked political hot-topic conversations tying the attacks to ISIS, rumors of war as well as heavy social media discussion and finger pointing to the current Syrian migrant crisis.

“Unfortunately we are seeing how extremist groups and extreme right-wing political groups in Europe are just taking advantage of the tragedy to put the blame on refugees from Syria and Muslims,” stated Waszkiewicz.

She encourages people to remember that terrorists are truly fanatics.

“They are not all Muslims, they are not all refugees—they are crazy people and most of the refugees are people who have been able to escape those groups that were killing them off,” she continues.

An assembly of supporters followed Waszkiewicz through the downtown core consisting of men, women and children, ranging from infants to elderly. Sarah Kadijk was another resident who came out to show her support.

“We need to fight for peace; this shouldn’t have to affect our kids. We should learn to live in harmony and use words rather than witnessing things so violent and without heart,” she explained.

“We can’t be fooled and compelled by the power of fear and manipulation of the situation,” said another supporter who wished to remain anonymous, shedding light on biased media coverage.

Terrorist attack bombings took place in Lebanon just the day before, where another 43 people were killed, and ironically the incident had very little worldwide media coverage in comparison to the attacks in Paris.

This marks the second attack on France this year since the Charlie Hebdo attack ten months ago. Worldwide reports say the terror group ISIS has claimed responsibility, and arrests have been made in countries throughout Europe. The French President has declared it an act of war.

Today, as our newly elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gathered with world leaders at the G20 Summit, he commented on the attacks, reassuring Canadians that security is a top priority and that we will carry on to assist refugees in “a safe and responsible manner.”

Waszkiewicz and rally supporters explained how they hoped to inspire comfort in hearts in order to counter the hate and quick angry reactions felt by many.

“The best weapon is to be united and kind,” concluded Waszkiewicz.