These latest terror attacks have left this fractured heart in pieces. Longtime readers will know that Paris is my favorite city.
I have many fond memories of my visits to Paris, and spending a year in Paris is still on my bucket list, but this, this is yet another punch in the gut of what's been happening in my beloved city.
It's been a decade or so since I've visited this glorious town. You only need step a single foot down on it's storied streets and get swept up in the romance, art and love of this amazing place.
In the last decade, we've all seen the mass shooting at Charlie Hebdo. Islamophobic incidents have increased year over year; one incident involving police and a Muslim youth led to riots that led to civil unrest, rioting and flames. I sat stunned watching half a million people marching in protest against gay couples adopting children. But still...my love for this place persists...
We cannot, should not, ignore the racism and Islamophobia that infiltrates French society.
Was it political? Was it a message? We may never know why Paris was targeted. Already, rumours are suggesting that Rome, London and Washington are the next cities to be attacked.
If I can leave ONE thought or message... PLEASE...do your part to protect Muslims throughout the world. The "people" that carried out these attacks have twisted and corrupted the words of the Quran to justify their actions; they DO NOT represent Islam and they want you to get angry and vengeful and take out your frustrations on innocent Muslims.
Groups like ISIS, Boko Haram, and Al-Qaeda are founded on principles of hate and fear. Don't give into them. Don't give them what they want. Their ideals are NOT the same as those of over 1.5 billion Muslims who only want for peace.
So, yes, please #prayforparis, but please don't forget Baghdad, Beirut, Nigeria
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