Jan. 10--In solidarity with Sunday's unity rally in France and across the U.S., members of Chicago's French community will hold their own rally Sunday to commemorate the lives lost in this week's terrorist attacks in France.
"We're creating a space for people to be there for each other," said Eve Zuckerman, a student at the University of Chicago and dual citizen of the U.S. and France, who grew up near Paris. "We're mirroring what's happening in Paris tomorrow to show we will not back down and still defend freedom of expression."
The worst terrorist attack on France in decades killed 20 people this week and began Wednesday when two al-Qaida-linked brothers staged a murderous rampage on satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, killing 12 people. Their motive for the attack was the publication's satirical depiction of the Prophet Muhammad, according to published reports.
The next two days followed with the murder of a policewoman south of Paris by a third gunman and the killing of four hostages northeast of Paris.
On Wednesday, Chicago's French community had a spontaneous gathering at Alliance Francaise, during which 200 people participated in a moment of silence. Zuckerman said a similar vigil was organized Thursday at the University of Chicago.
Sunday's gathering will involve another moment of silence, and then likely some chanting in support of Charlie Hebdo and its right to expression, Zuckerman said. She hopes for a turnout of about 500 people.
To mirror the rallies in France and across the world, protesters will bring pens and pencils to hold up to defend freedom of the press. Attendees are also encouraged to bring signs with the phrase "Nous sommes Charlie," or "We are Charlie," according to the event's Facebook page.
The Chicago gathering will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Daley Plaza at 50 W. Washington St.
