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Blindfolded Muslim man receives hugs in Paris

Posted at 5:05 PM, Nov 19, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-19 20:05:12-05

In the wake of last week’s several deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, we can only imagine it’s a difficult time to be a Muslim living in the city.

But moving video footage shows’ a blindfolded Muslim man receiving hundreds of hugs by strangers in Paris. The man, who stands near the Place de la Republique in the centre of the city, has two signs placed in front of him.
 
One reads, "I am a Muslim, but they tell me I'm a terrorist."
 
The other reads, "I trust you. Do you trust me? If so, hug me."
 

 
Surrounded by a huge crowd of mourners, the man draws in an overwhelming  amount of support, receiving one warm embrace after another. Afterwards, he lifts up his blindfold and says, "I would like to thank every one of you for giving me a hug. I did this to send a message to everyone.”
 
"I'm a Muslim, but that doesn't make me a terrorist - I never killed anyone,” he continues. "Last Friday was my birthday, but I didn't go out. I feel deeply for all the victims families."
 
Friday was the day of the deadly attacks, which killed at least 129 people and injured hundreds more.