Community reacts to Paris attacks

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Members of the Elmont and Franklin Square community were shocked and saddened by the tragic events that unfolded in Paris over the weekend.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends in Paris,” Town of Hempstead Councilmen Bruce Blakeman wrote on Facebook Friday night. “Together we shall remain vigilant in rooting out the Islamic Extremists who threaten our freedom and world peace.”

The attacks that ravaged the city left 129 people dead and 352 people wounded. The terrorist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the carnage.

“They hit a bunch of different locations and figured out where people are going to be out enjoying themselves on a Friday night,” said Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square). “It shows how strong and organized groups like that are. “

Ra spoke about need to act as a global force to combat terrorists and work with our partners to address a common enemy.

“I think we uniquely understand how important it is to come together and work with our allies internationally to try to stop these types of groups that want to do us harm.”

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages expressed her grief and remorse for the people of Paris.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the innocent victims, their families and loved ones," she said in a statement. "We must remain vigilant for our safety while being hopeful towards peace."

Town of Hempstead Supervisor-elect Anthony Santino wrote about the attacks on Facebook.

“The coordinated terrorist attacks in France on unarmed civilians yesterday is the definition of cowardice and pure evil,” he wrote. “ISIS, which has claimed credit for these barbaric slayings across Paris, is a threat that must be stopped.”

Unfortunately at a time of heightened emotion it becomes difficult to separate bad people from the group they belong too. With this in mind, the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury posted a statement on its website.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrorist attack, their families, the people of France, and we stand in solidarity with them.”

Reverend Mark Lukens, chair of the interfaith alliance of Long Island, offered a sobering reminder of how to defeat terrorism.

“The antidote to terror is to stand with good people of every nation and faith in solidarity and brotherhood, he said. “As Rev Martin Luther King wrote, ‘Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’”