BYU-Idaho student from France responds to Paris attacks - East Idaho News
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BYU-Idaho student from France responds to Paris attacks

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PARIS — A BYU-Idaho student from France says the ISIS attack on Paris has strengthened patriotism in his country.

Benjamin Polquin heard about the attacks while Skyping his dad who was watching the soccer game. He said they didn’t think much of the shootings at first.

Three bombs went off at the Stade de France during a soccer game and another bomb went off at a restaurant on Friday, Nov. 13. Shots were fired at the Bataclan Concert Hall and several restaurants.

“As time went on we realized there were different attacks,” said Polquin. “They seemed centralized and organized. Then we heard hostages were taken at a concert hall and that’s when we realized it was really bad and it was getting really scary.”

People all over the world are putting French flags on their profile picture on Facebook to show their support.

“That is extremely touching and unusual,” said Polquin. “The French are not as patriotic as Americans. That’s when you realize how bad it was, because for French people to do that it must be pretty bad.”

Polquin said people in France are scared but ready to fight and it has deepened their patriotism.

“Terrorists targeted France because France is everything they hate,” said Polquin. “I’m totally fine being an object of hate for them. Actually, that is what I want to be.”

The attacks left more than 120 people dead and more than 350 people injured.

Polquin shares what he wants to see happen in France and more during the full interview at the top of this story.

This story was originally published by BYU-Idaho Radio. It is used here with permission.

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