We are Charlie: Hundreds gather in NYC’s Union Square
Source: MSNBC
By Nisha Chittal
Despite the frigid cold, over 200 people gathered in Manhattan’s Union Square Wednesday evening in solidarity with the victims of a terror attack that took place earlier in the day, leaving 12 dead at the Paris offices of French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.
An estimated 200-400 people stood together in near silence at first, braving temperatures that dipped into the teens, holding signs that read “Je suis Charlie” – a phrase that translates to “I am Charlie” and has become the rallying cry of those showing support for the attack’s victims. Eventually, the crowd erupted in song, including the French national anthem.
Attendees included French nationals, Americans and citizens of other countries who repeatedly chanted “We are Charlie! Nous sommes Charlie!,” “We are not afraid!,” and “We are free and proud of it!” Police presence was minimal.
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Eilham Zrida, a New Yorker of French and Moroccan descent who was raised Muslim, said “I could not be more upset and saddened by the events today. They have touched the core, the heart of the French Republic. Today I am a human, I am French, I am Muslim … but I am disgusted. Today should not have happened. But hopefully it will allow for a … national and international discussion.”
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Nisha Chittal ✔ @NishaChittal
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Signs at #JeSuisCharlie rally in NYC
5:50 PM - 7 Jan 2015
Read more: http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/we-are-charlie-hundreds-gather-nycs-union-square
