It’s was a normal Friday night in Paris. People were out enjoying what they thought was going to be a quiet, relaxing evening. That was until gunshots and the sounds of explosives disrupted this tranquillity all across the city.

The entire town was in mass hysteria. CNN reported witnesses seeing people running rampant through the streets trying to find refuge. There were bodies lying on the ground in pools of blood. Many were injured and even killed.

That was the scene in France’s capital city on Nov. 13, 2015.

Earlier in the evening, according to CNN, a total of six locations in the city were attacked. These venues were normal everyday places: a nearby sports arena, a music hall, and popular cafes.

According to CNN, witnesses reported of gunmen yelling “Allah akbar.” CNN also reported Saturday morning that the terrorist group, ISIS, has taken credit for the actions carried out Friday evening.

This day will mark another sad day in our world’s history.

It’s hard to believe that anyone could carry out such a terrible act of violence such as this. We go around living our everyday lives when suddenly a tragedy strikes, a terrible moment in time that can’t be changed.

However, this is just what the terrorists wanted: to create chaos, instability, and terror. We are weaker when we are in a state of turmoil. They want to make the world fear them.

Why are we giving terrorists what they want?

People like to point fingers and find someone to blame, no matter what the situation may be, because it makes them feel as if they have some control over the madness, which gives them a sense of security. In the end, we should stand together. We can’t let something like this drive us part. We must stand as a whole and be united.

We feel helpless. Sending things such as money or food would not be as helpful in a situation like this as opposed to when a natural disaster occurs, but we can come together and show our support for France during such a difficult time.

We have expressed our unity by posting tributes and well wishes all over social media. One of the top trending hashtags on Twitter and Instagram is #PrayForParis. People have edited their profile pictures with a French flag filter or posted images that, essentially, bring all of us together. Many major cities around the world have changed the lighting on buildings and monuments to red, white, and blue, the colors of France’s flag, in support. We must let our voices be heard and let our message ring loud: this has only made the world stronger and more united.

Solidarité France.