Under a gray sky and a cold wind, Nice inaugurated a monument in tribute to the victims of the attacks of October 7, 2023. A ceremony full of emotion and reflection.
Under a gray sky and a cold wind, Nice paid tribute to the victims of the attacks of October 7, 2023. On the Castle Hill, a monument symbolizing ” Hai ” (life in Hebrew) was unveiled to the sound of John Lennon’s Imagine. This simple and moving memorial embodies resilience and hope, a year after the terrorist attacks by Hamas.
The ceremony took on particular intensity when Jewish high school and college students held up a banner “#BringThemHomeNow!” accompanied by the song “Bring Them Home“, a strong call for the release of hostages still detained.
Artist Joann Sfar, creator of the monument, delivered a poignant speech. He affirmed that this work ” is not just a memorial, but a cry for life and resistance. Hai, life, stronger than death, stronger than hate“. He thanked the city of Nice for entrusting him with this mission. He said he was “proud to be able to express, through art, the pain but also the hope for a better world.“
Jérôme Culioli, representing the Jewish community, highlighted the persistence of anti-Semitism. He also emphasized the importance of fighting against this scourge. This fight is essential to preserve the dignity and rights of all. “Anti-Semitism is an open wound, an evil that transcends centuries, and we have the responsibility to combat it with the greatest determination,” he asserted. He then paid tribute to the innocent victims of the October 7 attacks.
Christian Estrosi: “Never forget”
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, emphasized the importance of “never forgetting” these tragedies. Moreover, he insisted on the necessity of supporting Israel in its fight against terrorism. Indeed, it is crucial to remain united in these challenging times. He expressed his pride for the city of Nice, “the only city in France to have shown such visible support for Israel,” before calling for a national union against hate and fanaticism. “If Israel loses, we will have already lost everything,” he concluded, reminding of the importance of supporting the Jewish state in its fight for survival.
Before the band played, a minute of silence was observed. Then, it started with the Israeli anthem, Hatikvah. Subsequently, La Marseillaise resonated. These moments marked the solidarity between the two nations.
The ceremony concluded when participants placed candles in front of the monument. This gesture illuminated the memorial, creating an atmosphere of reflection and hope.
