A decade has passed since the harrowing Paris attacks of November 13, 2015, yet the scars remain deeply etched in the lives of survivors. As France prepares to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, which claimed over 130 lives and left more than 400 injured, survivors continue to wrestle with the enduring trauma. Arthur Denouveaux, a 39-year-old survivor and president of the victims’ association Life for Paris, reflects on the emotional toll of the anniversary. ‘The 10th anniversary is here, and emotions and tension are everywhere for us survivors,’ he shared. ‘It shields us from the world in a way, because we’re so focused on the grief and on remembering those who lost their lives.’ The coordinated attacks, carried out by nine Islamic State gunmen and suicide bombers, targeted multiple locations across Paris, including the Stade de France, cafes, and the Bataclan concert hall, marking the deadliest violence in France since World War II. Denouveaux, who was at the Bataclan during the Eagles of Death Metal concert, vividly recalls the chaos and horror of that night. ‘I remember crawling on top of bodies,’ he recounted. ‘I believe most of the people were pretending to be dead, but still, I remember a few faces or at least a few facial expressions of people who were necessarily dead.’ The aftermath of the attacks left survivors grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Denouveaux, a father of three, spent a year in intensive therapy and medication to overcome the most critical phases of PTSD. ‘But since 2017, I’ve had no panic attacks,’ he said. ‘Yet, I’m very cautious because I’m not sure you heal from PTSD.’ To honor the victims, France will hold a solemn ceremony at a newly created memorial garden near Paris City Hall, attended by President Emmanuel Macron, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, survivors, and families of the victims. The garden, designed with input from survivors and relatives, features steles engraved with the names of the victims. ‘The project aims to create a place that remembers the dead but also a place of life, a place that is beautiful and serene,’ Denouveaux explained. The French soccer federation will also pay tribute to the victims during a World Cup qualifier match between France and Ukraine at the Parc des Princes, preceded by a minute of silence. The attacks not only traumatized individuals but also shook the nation’s sense of security. Survivors like Denouveaux have had to navigate a new path in life, mourning not only the lives lost but also the person they once were. ‘When you survive a terrorist attack, you become disconnected from the rest of the world,’ he said. ‘There are three mourning phases: the mourning for those who died, the mourning for the person you were, and the mourning of the image people have of you.’ The 2021-2022 trial of Salah Abdeslam, the lone surviving attacker, and 19 other accomplices brought some closure, with Abdeslam sentenced to life without parole. Yet, for survivors, the journey toward healing remains ongoing. ‘Ten years later, when I tell someone who doesn’t know: ‘Well, I was at the Bataclan,’ the person’s perception of me changes immediately,’ Denouveaux noted. ‘There’s the emotion they felt that day, but also the fear of wondering, ‘Is he OK? Can I talk to him about it? How do we do that?’ And that, of course, puts you out of phase.’
分类： society
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Jakarta faces shortage to accommodate the dead
Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, is confronting a severe shortage of burial space as its cemeteries reach or exceed capacity. With 86.25% of the city’s 80 public cemeteries already full and the remaining ones nearing their limits, only 118,000 graves remain available. This alarming situation has raised concerns about the commercialization of burial plots, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income residents who rely on free public cemeteries. Rapid population growth and limited land availability have exacerbated the crisis, prompting the city to adopt measures such as stacked burials, where multiple caskets are interred in a single plot. However, even these efforts fall short of meeting demand. For instance, the Grogol Kemanggisan public cemetery in West Jakarta, which houses around 17,000 bodies, has stopped accepting new burial requests due to overcrowding. Families are often forced to incur additional costs by traveling to distant cemeteries or opting for private burial grounds, which charge exorbitant fees. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained the system, with Jakarta recording over 16,000 deaths from the virus by June 2023. To address the issue, Governor Pramono Anung has proposed building new public cemeteries and converting former COVID-19 burial sites. Yet, experts like urban sociologist Rakhmat Hidayat argue that the crisis stems from poor urban planning and a focus on commercial development over public welfare. Without immediate action, the burden will continue to fall on the city’s most vulnerable residents, who may soon have no access to affordable burial options.
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Beyond family
As Singapore rapidly transitions into a super-aged society, experts are advocating for a shift from family-centric caregiving to community-based models. With over 21% of the population expected to be aged 65 or older by 2026, the need for innovative eldercare solutions is more pressing than ever. Paulin Straughan, director of the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) at Singapore Management University, emphasizes that relying solely on migrant domestic workers is unsustainable. Instead, fostering local talent and community involvement is crucial. Initiatives like the ElderAid program by the Singapore Red Cross, which connects volunteers like Peh Kim Hiok with seniors in need, exemplify this approach. Peh, a 62-year-old homemaker, has been visiting three seniors monthly, offering companionship and support. Her story highlights the growing trend of seniors helping seniors, redefining caregiving beyond familial ties. The government is also stepping up efforts with projects like ‘Age Well Neighborhoods,’ which aim to enhance community infrastructure and care services. These include community care apartments, active aging centers, and shared stay-in senior care services. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. About 30% of older adult caregivers report chronic health conditions, underscoring the need for programs to support their physical and mental well-being. Christopher Gee, deputy director of the Institute of Policy Studies, stresses the importance of nurturing a ‘we-first’ society, where caregiving is a collective responsibility. Tools like the Healthy 365 app, which incentivizes health targets, could serve as models for promoting pro-social behaviors. The Silver Generation Office (SGO) has also expanded its network of ambassadors to nearly 9,000, leveraging digital engagement to reach tech-savvy seniors. As Singapore grapples with its aging population, the call for a community-driven caregiving model grows louder, offering a sustainable path forward.
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Brothers charged with South African rapper’s murder after extradition
Two brothers, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, have been formally charged with the murder of renowned South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, widely known as “AKA,” following their extradition from Eswatini. The siblings were returned to South Africa after a prolonged legal battle to prevent their extradition failed. Forbes, an acclaimed hip-hop artist, was tragically gunned down alongside his close friend, celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, outside a restaurant in Durban in 2023. The incident sent shockwaves across the nation, which already grapples with one of the highest murder rates globally. The Ndimande brothers face additional charges, including the murder of Motsoane, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm. They will stand trial alongside five other defendants already in custody. At the time of his death, Forbes was in Durban to perform during his birthday celebrations. Police have characterized the attack as a meticulously planned hit. Forbes, celebrated for his three solo albums and collaborations with international artists like Nigeria’s Burna Boy, was a prominent figure in South Africa’s music scene. His untimely demise has left a void in the industry and sparked widespread mourning.
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In Japan’s Northern Alps, residents battle monkeys to protect homes and farms
In the serene foothills of Japan’s Northern Alps, an unusual battle unfolds between humans and monkeys. Armed with bright orange vests, bells, whistles, and walking sticks, a dedicated group known as the Monkey Chasing Squad patrols the region. Their mission: to herd Japanese macaques back into the mountains and away from farms and homes. Using GPS trackers, they monitor the monkeys’ movements and coordinate efforts to keep the animals at bay. While these primates are a major tourist attraction at Jigokudani Monkey Park, where they famously soak in hot springs, they are increasingly seen as pests by locals. The monkeys raid homes, steal food, and destroy crops, causing significant frustration. In 2022, Japan’s Agriculture Ministry reported crop damage from wild animals, including monkeys, totaling 15.6 billion yen ($100 million). The Monkey Chasing Squad, led by Masaya Miyake, has made progress in reducing the time macaques spend in villages, but challenges remain. Efforts to cull the monkeys have sparked debate, with ecologists warning that such measures could worsen the problem by disrupting troop dynamics. As human-monkey conflicts escalate, innovative solutions like electric fences and trained dogs are being explored. However, the squad’s work highlights the delicate balance between preserving wildlife and protecting livelihoods in Azumino.
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Dubai: Indian teen dies after falling from building while taking photos
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Dubai earlier this week as a 19-year-old Indian teenager lost his life after falling from a building while attempting to capture photographs. Mishaal Mohammed, a resident of Kerala, India, was visiting his cousin in the Hor Al Anz area when the tragedy occurred. According to M.K., a social worker involved in the case, Mishaal was an avid photography enthusiast who was trying to take pictures of planes from the third-floor terrace of the building. Unfortunately, he tripped on a pole and fell, sustaining severe internal injuries. Despite being rushed to Rashid Hospital immediately after the accident, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Mishaal, the only son of his parents, is survived by his parents and two sisters. He had arrived in the UAE on a visit visa just last month to spend time with his cousin. The formalities for repatriating his body to India are nearly complete, and his final rites are expected to take place early Wednesday morning. This marks the second such incident in Dubai this year, following the death of a 17-year-old student in April after a similar fall. The community mourns the loss of these young lives, cut short by unforeseen accidents.
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Children help design Dubai’s first Hewi community space to be unveiled in January 2026
Dubai is set to unveil its first ‘Hewi’ community space on January 1, 2026, a project designed in collaboration with children and local communities. Announced during Urban Future Week, the initiative aims to recreate traditional Emirati values and foster stronger community bonds. The Hewi, a term derived from the Emirati dialect meaning ‘outdoor courtyard of the house,’ will serve as a space for entertainment, relaxation, and family gatherings. Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facility Agency at Dubai Municipality, highlighted that the Hewi will be strategically located near mosques, allowing senior citizens to oversee children at play, embodying the communal values of Emirati culture. The project, a joint effort by Dubai Municipality and Dubai Future Foundation, is currently in the production and fabrication stage, with plans for a gradual rollout across the emirate. Abdulaziz Aljaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, emphasized that the design process involved observing family interactions and incorporating children’s creative ideas, such as adding fountains and fruit trees, to enhance the park experience. The initiative, spearheaded by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reflects a commitment to integrating traditional elements into modern urban spaces. Despite high demand from various localities, the team is proceeding cautiously to ensure each Hewi is tailored to the specific needs of its community. The first Hewi is on track for its 2026 debut, with ongoing collaborations with entities like the Community Development Authority and Ferjan to bring the vision to life.
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Taliban order women to wear burkas to access hospitals, charity says
In a concerning development, the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have mandated that women, including patients, caretakers, and staff, must wear a burka—a full Islamic veil—to access public health facilities in Herat, a western city. This directive, reported by the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), took effect on November 5. According to Sarah Chateau, MSF’s programme manager in Afghanistan, these restrictions are severely limiting women’s access to healthcare, even for those requiring urgent medical attention. MSF noted a 28% decline in admissions for urgent cases at Herat Regional Hospital in the initial days of enforcement. Taliban members stationed at hospital entrances have reportedly denied entry to women not wearing the burka. However, a Taliban spokesperson dismissed these claims, stating that the ministry’s stance focuses on hijab, not the burka, and denied allegations of women being barred from medical centers. Activists and social media users have criticized the move, with some women in Herat reportedly burning burkas in protest. The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has seen numerous restrictions on women’s rights, including bans on education and employment, which the UN has labeled as ‘gender apartheid.’ The recent enforcement of the burka in Herat marks a significant escalation in these policies, raising alarm among human rights advocates.
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UAE: 91-year-old Kerala expat becomes oldest author at Sharjah book fair
At 91, Al Haj N. Jamaluddin, a UAE-based Indian educationist and poet, is set to become the oldest author to host a book signing session at the Sharjah International Book Fair. On November 15, Jamaluddin will meet readers at the Sharjah Expo Centre, where he will sign copies of ‘Zamzam,’ the Arabic translation of his Malayalam poetry collection. The book, first launched at the fair in 2023, has now reached Arabic-speaking audiences, fulfilling Jamaluddin’s long-held dream of transcending linguistic barriers. Joining him will be Karima El Azizi, Secretary to the CEO’s Office at the Sharjah Book Authority, who will also be signing her latest work.
Jamaluddin describes ‘Zamzam’ as a cultural bridge between his two homes: Kerala, where he was born, and the UAE, where he has lived since 1965. The poetry collection delves into his life experiences, Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, and Islamic history, including the early arrival of Islam in southern India. ‘The UAE and my homeland, Kerala, share a bond that goes back centuries,’ he said. ‘Being able to share our stories in Arabic means a lot to me.’
Before his literary pursuits, Jamaluddin dedicated decades to education. He is the founder and chairman of Crescent English High School in Dubai, established in 1984 to provide affordable quality education to low- and middle-income families. Even at 91, he continues to visit the school daily, finding inspiration in the children. ‘When I’m with the children, I forget everything,’ he once told Khaleej Times. ‘They make me feel alive. As long as I can, I’ll keep going.’
Born in Kollakadavu, Kerala, Jamaluddin’s life parallels the UAE’s transformation. Arriving in Dubai in the mid-1960s, he worked with the Bank of Oman (now Mashreq Bank) until 1983 and played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian Relief Committee, which later facilitated consular services for Indian expats and direct flights between Kerala and Dubai. Despite lucrative job offers, he chose to focus on education and literature, believing that ‘books and schools are what endure.’
Jamaluddin’s curiosity remains undiminished. He writes regularly, reads daily, and stays connected with former students worldwide. When asked about his motivation, he said, ‘As long as I can learn, I’ll keep writing. Age is not an obstacle, but a reminder that time is precious.’
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Chinese scholar honored with Russia’s ‘Labors Reward’ medal at Kremlin
Professor Wang Wen, a distinguished academic and dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies and the School of Global Leadership at Renmin University of China, has been honored with the Jubilee Medal For Labors Reward by the Free Economic Society of Russia (VEO). This prestigious accolade recognizes his significant contributions to fostering academic and public exchanges between China and Russia. The award ceremony took place at the State Kremlin Palace during the VEO’s 260th-anniversary celebration. The Labors Reward medal, awarded once every decade to no more than 15 individuals, is one of Russia’s highest academic honors. This year’s recipients include prominent Russian academicians, senators, and business leaders, with Professor Wang being the sole Chinese honoree. His recognition marks a significant milestone in China-Russia academic collaboration and underscores China’s increasing influence in global scholarly discourse.