Acts of terrorism are designed to kill, to scare, to cause chaos and break trust.
Those guilty are likely to claim they are working under a religious belief or on behalf of a cause, but they also live off the fear of those around them.
So one Muslim man decided to break down some of the barriers and fears that are helping to spread xenophobia – by standing with his arms wide open on Republic Square in Paris on Monday evening.
Standing amongst the crowds of mourners, the man placed a sign at his feet, reading:
“I trust you, do you trust me? So hug me!”
While some people gathered around to take photos, others stepped forward and took comfort from a fellow human who was feeling the same pain hanging in the city.
Captured on Ruptly TV, the response from the public is quite overwhelming.
Video: Ruptly TV
As one wise French dad told his son this week:
“They have guns, but we have flowers.”
