By Sera Gurzumar, Year 11
It’s been two years since the 2015 Paris attacks took place on November 13. What has changed?
The attacks were claimed by ISIS, who had suicide bombers and gunmen hit a major stadium, a concert hall, restaurants and bars almost simultaneously. 130 people were killed and hundreds were injured. It was one the most deadly terrorist attack Europe has ever suffered.
The first attack happened at the Stade de France, where three explosions took place during a football match between France and Germany. The president at the time, Francois Hollande, was attending the game. This occurred at around 21:20. Five minutes later, at 21:25, there was a shooting at Le Carillon, a bar, and Le Petit Cambodge restaurant. Diners at Rue de La Fontaine au Roi were attacked at around 21:32, and only a few minutes later, there was another gun attack in Rue de Charonne. At 21:40, there a suicide bombing in Boulevard Voltaire and at the same time there was a shooting at the Bataclan concert hall, where Eagles of Death Metal were playing.
One result of the Paris attacks was increased security in Geneva, especially when the gunmen’s van was found: cars were checked more often at the border, police patrolled the streets and stood outside the United Nations in bullet-proof jackets. Even now, two years later, there can be a lot of traffic near the border, as anytime there is something suspicious, cars are checked thoroughly. Every time there is a big event, there are policemen, and the majority of roads are completely closed off.
In Paris, the venues all over the city have increased their security by hiring more security guards, checking bags more often and using metal detectors. In 2016, the amount of tourists in Paris decreased by 1 million, and touristic areas such as the Louvre and Eiffel Tower were less crowded.
Since the attacks of the 13th of November there have been more than 5 mass killings in Europe. In London, Barcelona and Nice big vans went straight into crowds.
Ever since the increase of terrorist attacks in Europe, people have been more afraid of going out. Parents have become more protective of their children and when we go out to a concert, or shopping mall, we always stop to think twice about it. “It’s been awhile since there was a terrorist attack- where’s the next one going to be?”, “Is it safe to go out?” We worry about this daily and these are all questions that we ask ourselves. We always think of the worse case scenarios, and try to block them out.
Another devastating consequence that comes with the terrorist attacks is the rise in islamophobia and discrimination towards the Muslim communities in European cities. Women wearing veils are spat at and harassed. ISIS has not only managed to inspire fear in our lives, but has also managed to damage the image of the Muslim religion.
Do you feel as if the increase of attacks changed your sense of safety?
