10 Years After November 13 Attacks: A Void in Hearts

On November 13, 2015, a tragic night unfolded in Paris during a rock concert at the Bataclan venue. This terrorist attack left 130 people dead, forever altering the lives of survivors and families. As we mark 10 years since the attacks, reflections from those impacted reveal a continued struggle with their trauma.

Personal Stories from the Survivors

Christophe Naudin: A Fight Against Forgetting

Christophe Naudin, who sheltered in a small storage room during the assault, recalls the horrors of that night. He spent two hours hearing the chaos unfold, knowing his friend Vincent was among the victims.

Even now, Christophe, who works as a high school history teacher, feels a yearly tension as the anniversary approaches. He struggles with post-traumatic symptoms such as hypervigilance and claustrophobia. In 2020, he attempted to channel his experiences by writing a book titled *Journal d’un rescapé du Bataclan* and engaging his students in discussions about the events.

Patricia Correia: Grieving a Lost Child

Patricia Correia did not perish during the attack, but her life was tragically altered. She lost her only daughter, Precilia, to the violence at the Bataclan. The pain of her loss remains raw, and Patricia finds it impossible to move on.

The judicial proceedings that followed the attacks did not provide her with closure. Despite the life sentence given to the perpetrator Salah Abdeslam, she struggles with feelings of resentment. Patricia continues to mourn her daughter and plans to return to Paris for the 10th anniversary commemoration.

David Fritz Goeppinger: Seeking Healing

David Fritz Goeppinger experienced the attack firsthand when he was taken hostage. His journey through trauma has led him to confront his experiences by writing. He published a memoir titled *Un jour dans notre vie* and engaged in various projects related to the incident.

While David has made efforts to heal, he admits that he still grapples with anxiety and post-traumatic symptoms. He actively participates in projects that keep the memory of the attacks alive but recognizes the importance of finding a path forward.

Tragic Outcomes: The Unseen Victims

Unfortunately, not all survivors have found the strength to carry on. Fred Dewilde, a witness to the attack, took his life in May 2024. He struggled with profound trauma resulting from that night.

• Guillaume Valette, who survived the Bataclan, died by suicide in 2017.
• Élodie Besnier, a survivor from the Le Carillon bar, took her life in 2021.

These individuals represent the ongoing emotional toll of the November 13 attacks, now seen as additional victims of the events.

Conclusion: The Void in Hearts

A decade after the November 13 attacks, the emotional scars remain vivid for survivors and families. The stories of Christophe, Patricia, and David illustrate the struggle for survival and the fight against fading memories. The pain of those lost continues to resonate, creating a profound void in many hearts.