Bataclan Attack: Survivor Testimony 10 Years On | November 13th

Bataclan Survivor Advocates for Inclusive Remembrance on 10th Anniversary of Paris Attacks

A decade after the devastating November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris, Catherine Bertrand, a survivor of the Bataclan and vice-president of the French Association of Victims of Terrorism (AFVT), emphasizes the crucial role of collective tribute ceremonies in the ongoing healing process. “Time is good, but there are scars that never heal,” she stated in a recent interview with BFMTV.

The Enduring Need for Commemoration

For ten years, victims, associations, and officials have come together to commemorate the attacks, yet a sense of isolation persists. “We feel quite alone most of the time,” Bertrand explained,highlighting the deeply personal and frequently enough solitary nature of grief. The upcoming tributes on November 13 represent a vital possibility for a “unifying” event, one that many victims actively need to navigate their trauma.

Bertrand underscored a shift in outlook over the past decade. “After ten years, I realize that actually, it was France that was attacked that day. Its not just me.” this realization has fueled a desire to broaden the scope of remembrance, extending it beyond the immediate victims to encompass all citizens.

Did you know? – The November 13, 2015 attacks in Paris targeted multiple locations concurrently, including the Bataclan concert hall, the Stade de France, and several restaurants and bars.130 people were killed and hundreds more were injured.

A Symbolic March and Run for Remembrance

The AFVT is organizing a symbolic march and race this Sunday, November 9, tracing a route from the Stade de France to the heart of paris. The course will pass through all locations targeted during the attacks, serving as a poignant reminder of the widespread impact of the tragedy.

Bertrand assured the public that the event will be a celebration of life, not a dwelling on darkness. “It’s not going to be creepy, I promise,” she said with a smile. “On the contrary, we must add life where there has been death. So for me, it is really a positive wave which must pass through these places.” The march and run also aim to honor the victims of the attacks on the terraces and at the stade de France, who she notes are “too often forgotten.”

Pro tip: – When attending commemorative events, be mindful of the emotional needs of fellow attendees. Offer support and understanding, and respect personal boundaries.

The Healing Power of Sport and the Paris Olympics

Beyond formal ceremonies, Bertrand credits sport with playing a pivotal role in her personal recovery. The Paris Olympics, in particular, ignited a renewed sense of hope and purpose. She vividly recalls experiencing a surge of joy during the opening ceremony.

“I started dancing,shouting with joy (…) I was really in a mourning phase,so I didn’t see a future at all,I saw things really very negatively. And then, suddenly, a positive wave arrived,” she remembers. This “positive wave” lifted her from a prolonged period of despair, captivating her attention and re-engaging her with life. As an illustrator and author of Chronicles of a Survivor (Ed. de la Martinière, 2018), Bertrand found inspiration and solace in the athletic competitions.

Following a brief “post-Olympic blues” period, the AFVT decided to continue fostering this sense of community and hope through the upcoming march and run.

Reader question: – How can communities best support the long-term healing of those affected by terrorist attacks, beyond annual commemorations?

why did the attacks happen? The November 13, 2015 attacks were carried out by a coordinated team of terrorists affiliated with the islamic State (ISIS). The attacks were motivated by ISIS’s goal of provoking a response from Western nations and spreading fear.