The French Cultural Center in Boston, a gathering place for the sons and daughters of Paris who are now living in Massachusetts, is struggling to make sense of the terrorist attacks back home.
"This is a symbol for all of us," said Jim Bekkai. We stand united and together is this difficult moment."
A couple dozen expatriates came together to remember the victims and the ideals of free speech and expression. The group watched a slideshow of Charlie Hebdo cartoons and the artists who created them. Terrorists entered the publication's offices Wednesday and killed 12 people, including artists Jean Cabut - someone Dominique Negel-Khan first met as an environmental activist in the early 70s.
"I couldn't believe that, because for me, he was the most peaceful, quiet, smiling - so nice guy," she said.
The violence shocked the entire world. Still, the shootout with suspects two days later was even more difficult to conceive. For the French here in Boston, and others, it immediately reminded them of the Boston Marathon bombings.
Saturday's event was just a small, informal gathering at the French Cultural Center. A much larger get together is being planned for Sunday by the French Consulate in Boston. It will take place near the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common.
