French policeman stands guard at site of Hyper Cacher terror attack
French policeman stands guard at site of Hyper Cacher terror attackReuters

In commemoration of the first anniversary of last year’s terrorist attacks on Charlie Hebdo and the Hyper Cacher market, and in light of the latest devastating attacks, a special musical tribute event will be held at the Synagogue de la Victoire (Grand Synagogue of Paris) on Wednesday, December 9th 800 pm Paris time.

Families of the victims will recite the Jewish memorial prayer, “Kadish”, for the last time and then light the Hannukah menora in the “City of Light” to mark the victory of freedom and hope over hatred and terror. With over a thousand Parisians expected to attend, this event will send a powerful message about the resilience of the French Jewish community, the unity of the international Jewish community and solidarity with all those affected by terror.

“This is our major event on Hannuka,” said a spokesperson for organizing group. The concert is taking place in the heart of the city that has come to represent the bitter cost of terror. “This event is designed to send the message of Jewish unity and solidarity in the face of this ongoing global battle,” the spokesperson said.

Singing at the site of Bataclan Theater attack:

“Let There Be Light: A Concert of Unity” was conceived by American radio personality Nachum Segal and his Nachum Segal Network,and is co-sponsored by the Consistoire de Paris and Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. The program will include musical performances and dedications from France, the US and Israel.

Nahum Segal spoke to Arutz Sheva about the event, and why it means so much to the community of Paris.

“A few months ago we decided, as we have done many times when it comes to challenging situations around the world for Jews, that we needed to be in Paris towards the end of the year of mourning to support those who died in the Hebdo and Cacher attacks. But in this case instead of just being there, we decided to create a gift to the French Jewish community to help them celebrate Jewish life in Paris and give them a boost. We called it the Jewish Unity Initiative.

Segal said that the message of the event is simplistic but powerful. “When Jews are in trouble anywhere, other Jews from around the world will be there to support them. Delegations of Jews coming from the US and Israel are coming to demonstrate the sentiment that we are with them. We care about them and that no matter where they may be on the globe, and we will help them celebrate their Jewish life wherever that may be.”

"The most interesting reaction that we had, was that we were almost certain that this event and other events would be cancelled following the most recent attacks in Paris. However when we contacted the organizers and the Jewish community they told us that they wanted the concert to go ahead as planned. They wanted to show unity. They did not want to back down from this gesture that will bring everyone together. That was the most interesting reaction that has come from all of this."

Among other dignitaries expected to be in attendance is the Israeli Ambassador to France, Yossi Gal.  

“This has made an international impression," said Segal. "This simple concept of being there when our brothers and sisters need a pick-me-up, has sent a message. I think it is important important for everybody, Jew and non-Jew alike, to consider just how far a simple gesture can go to make our brethren feel better.”   

The candle lighting will be done by the victims from the Cacher market Terror attack which occured in December 2014. They are: Philippe Braham, Yohan Cohen, Yoav Hattab, and François-Michel Saada.