A “demonstration” of solidarity
(B2) There were those who were the procession and those who had to be nearby. Coming from Place Beauveau, and having traveled part of Paris to bd Voltaire and rue Charonne, I was able to observe it, it started to work from Haussman and Gare St Lazare. The subways were crowded. No way to do otherwise.
Some have given up. Others have come as close as possible to be there. In the cafes, in the surrounding streets, on the balconies, everyone was there, not to "watch" but to demonstrate their presence. Surprisingly, very few incidents. No stoned shop, no scramble that goes wrong, no window that collapses under the weight of the crowd, no one slipping under the subway ... And yet there was something.
A kind of behavior, of self-discipline of which one would have thought the French incapable. A discipline that can be observed when the police forces who, in their big cars, go up the crowd, force their way through, applauded, even in the most difficult places... Mobile gendarmes in boots, helmets in hand, who obviously can't believe this warm welcome...
The demonstration was united. But each had his opinions, expressing them discreetly, in a low voice, as if not to offend the other, not to provoke too much. These Jewish believers who watch, with a little apprehension, young people mounted on a bus shelter, wielding the Palestinian or Syrian flag. These young people who criticize François Hollande or certain heads of state. Etc. The pleasure of not spoiling a certain moment of communion. Because everyone was proud that everyone was there.
(NGV)
