Here’s How People In Paris Helped Each Other During The Terrorist Attack

More than 150 people were killed in a series of terror attacks in Paris on Friday when the assailants open fired in different locations throughout the city.

The French President François Hollande closed the nation’s border and issued a state of emergency. People were urged to evacuate the streets and stay inside their respective homes.

As the tragedy unfolded, the world joined hands to help the victims by showing their support and offering free help and services. People used social media to find and offer refuge on Friday night.

For those needing shelter: #PorteOuverte #StrandedinUS pic.twitter.com/AZYMCOKswv

— Mara Tekach (@Mara_Exchanges) November 14, 2015

The Twitter hashtag #porteouverte, which means “open door” in English was being used to inform people about all the possible shelters and help services.

This account will be for tweeting and retweeting places to stay safe tonight #PorteOuverte#OpenDoors#PrayForParis

— #PorteOuverte (@PorteOuverteFRA) November 13, 2015

A lot of people offered their support through social media. Doors were opened…

Rue Saint Maur in the 11th arrondissement, we have room for you #PorteOuverte

— Benoît Jaubert (@benoitjaubert) November 14, 2015

I have a home in 18th, I speak english and french #PorteOuverte #PortesOuvertes

— Sarah (@lemaldelinfini) November 14, 2015

I have room for stranded people near chatelet. Tell me if you’re in need, #PorteOuverte.

— Arnaud Dupuis (@ArnaudDupuis) November 14, 2015

And taxi meters were shut down!

Reports that Paris taxis are taking people home for free after bus and metro lines close.

— Tina Daheley (@TinaDaheley) November 13, 2015

Everyone tried their best to rescue as many people as possible.

#PorteOuverte 44 rue de rivoli. 3 of us. Got a 19 yr old student with us.

— JeffSharlet (@JeffSharlet) November 14, 2015

Some people risked their lives to protect fellow citizens.

#Paris bartender & former police officer describes protecting people inside of his pub https://t.co/Mu9mMMPNTN https://t.co/7kWUYlcQ2F

— CNN (@CNN) November 14, 2015

Facebook also launched a safety check which can enable people to connect to their friends and relatives in Paris and know that they are safe. The ‘mark yourself safe’ feature notifies all friends that the person in the affected area is safe.

The Indian Embassy in France opened its helpline number for stranded Indian citizens in Paris. Indian Ambassador to France, Mohan Kumar, tweeted this.

Indian Embassy telephone 0140507070 open, we hope all Indians are safe. Our prayers with families affected and solidarity with France.

— Dr Mohan Kumar (@AmbMoKumar) November 14, 2015

But, these examples of sheer compassion and humanity in such dire situations are a proof of how the world will not fall apart against terrorism.

#PorteOuverte and the free taxi-fare stories show that even in its darkest of moments, humanity is overwhelmingly about cooperation & love

— Harry Le Feuvre (@harrylefeuvre) November 14, 2015

#PorteOuverte is proof the terrorists didn’t win. Even among all that evil, people willingly opened their homes to strangers.

— not a football club (@chelsea_elisa) November 14, 2015

The whole world lit up to show their support for Paris.

“ when the city of light goes dark in memory of the victims, the whole world lights up for them ” #PrayForParispic.twitter.com/cls2wXNjbL

— ㅤ (@baeklivion) November 14, 2015

We pray for Paris with all our hearts. May the strength, compassion and solidarity of people triumph any danger that befalls them.

Were Terrorists Successful In Killing Innocent People? YES.
Could They Kill Their Spirit? HELL NO!

#PrayForParis #PeaceForParis

Cover Image Source