Hundreds of students and staff members gathered on Portland Hill on Monday 16th November at 11am to support victims of terrorist attacks in Paris and around the world.
The event, organised by Alix Bod through social media, coincided with the University’s decision to lower Trent Building’s flag to half mast and observe the European minute’s silence for those affected by terrorist attacks.
During the silence, cars driving through campus stopped to show their respect for the victims of the most recent terror attacks around the world.
When the minute was over, all those present united in a round of applause.
“It was important that we came here today to show solidarity with the people around the world who are afflicted by terrorism”
Speaking to Impact, Sam Peake, Community Officer for the Students’ Union, said: “I think it was important that we came here today to show solidarity with the people of Paris and the people around the world who are afflicted by terrorism”.
He spoke of the importance of remaining united, “especially in Nottingham” where three students were present during the attacks on Friday in Paris.
“It brings the incident closer to home but we should not forget that so many other families are suffering”
Angharad Smith, President of the Students’ Union, said: “It is particularly important in light of the fact that three of our students have been caught up in the Paris attacks. It brings the incident closer to home but we should not forget that so many other families are suffering”.
All students who were present during the attack have reportedly been registered safe, according to the Student Union’s Equal Opportunities and Welfare Officer Sarah Pickup.
“It was really touching to see so many people take part and show respect for those affected by the attacks”
Amy Wilcockson, a second year English student, told Impact: “It was really touching to see so many people take part and show their respect for those affected by the attacks. I think it is important to note that it is not just Paris that has been affected, but many other nations around the world. It was good to see that we are all united in a common cause”.
A vigil “for Paris, Beirut and Baghdad” is also set to take place today at 5.30pm by the Brian Clough statute in Nottingham town centre.
The event’s Facebook page states that the vigil is to “commemorate victims of terrorist attacks all over the world” and recognises that “all terrorist attacks are equally worthy of importance”.
Tamsin Parnell
Image: via Impact News
