'Symbols of sympathy': Maritimes react to Paris attacks

The French flag was raised to half-mast in front of Halifax City Hall Saturday morning in light of the horrific attacks in Paris that left 129 people dead.

Three teams of extremists carried out the coordinated gun-and-suicide bombing attack, a French prosecutor said Saturday.Halifax Mayor Mike Savage met Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo earlier this year at a conference in Montreal.

He says it was put together with Paris in mind after the Charlie Hebdo murders.

“It was about bringing people together and overcoming violence and hatred,” said Savage.

New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant held a moment of silence in Fredericton at the Liberal’s Biennial General Meeting in light of the events.

Alize Barth grew up in Paris, but has lived in Dartmouth for the last three years. As much as she likes living in the Maritimes, she says it’s been difficult to be so far away from the tragedy.

“I feel like I shouldn't be here. I should be there,” said Barth. “These people who have been shot have been murdered in these places haven't done anything. They're just Parisians going out.”

Halifax imam Abdelkader Tayebi strongly condemned the terrorist attack.

“No matter how you try to find an answer for what was done, you cannot find an answer,” said Tayebi. “It's sheer murder. There's no other explanation.”

Tayebi says the terrorists are bankrupt.

“They're bankrupt theologically, they are bankrupt morally, they are bankrupt spiritually,” he said.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack in retaliation for France's role in air attacks on ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

Meanwhile, Canada is preparing to welcome up to 25,000 refugees fleeing the war zone, with around 10,000 coming to the Maritimes.

“People who are fleeing their country are fleeing this kind of violence, this kind of hatred,” said Savage.

Barth organized a vigil in Grand Parade outside City Hall Saturday night to commemorate those killed in the attack.

“I do it because it's my city and my people,” said Barth. “The city of light had no light but the light will come back and the spirit will come back.”

A planned concert focusing on love, peace and unity by the Dalhousie University Chorus at St. Mathews Church will be performed as a tribute to the victims, as well.

“All of the students said, ‘We have to do something,’” said organizer Christina Murray. “Our concert is about what we need to be focusing on right now anyway.”

Murray says a portion of the proceeds will now go to Doctors Without Borders.

With files CTV Atlantic’s Rick Grant.