On Sunday, June 8, a surge of solidarity was manifested in Puget-sur-Argens as nearly 1,600 participants took part in a white march to honor the memory of Hichem Miraoui, the young Tunisian hairdresser tragically shot by his neighbor. This march was not only an act of remembrance but also a powerful statement against racism and the violence that plagues our society.
The white march of Puget-sur-Argens
At 3 PM, hundreds of people gathered in front of the hair salon where Hichem lost his life. The participants, dressed in white, a symbol of peace and unity, paraded through the streets, allowing their emotion and anger to speak out against unbearable acts of violence. Those gathered laid flowers and messages of support for the bereaved, demonstrating a community united in adversity.
Heartfelt testimonies
Among the demonstrators, many voices rose to emphasize the importance of this march. A resident of Cogolin expressed her support, stating that this could have happened to anyone. “We want to show that we can live together, that we are different but united by values of peace,” she declared, summarizing the general sentiment that prevailed during this tragic event.
A revealed racist act
The murder of Hichem, a clearly racist act, led the national anti-terrorist prosecutor’s office to take up the case. The suspect neighbor admitted to the facts while denying any racist intent, a paradox that highlights the omnipresence of racism in our society. The march was also an opportunity to denounce these facts and assert that such acts must never occur again.
Solidarity beyond origins
A friend of Hichem, Majid Ellili, delivered a moving speech to those who had mobilized, calling for unity beyond ethnicities and cultures. He reminded everyone that “this must not happen again, neither in France nor elsewhere,” while encouraging the community to come together to uphold values of justice, peace, and solidarity.
A strong mobilization in Marseille
Meanwhile, in Marseille, over 400 people also gathered at the Aix gate to pay tribute to Hichem. Donning t-shirts and banners, participants expressed their outrage against acts of violence and racism. The presence of prominent figures like Dominique Sopo, president of SOS Racisme, added a solemn dimension to this mobilization, reminding that racism always leads to violent acts.
A strong and determined tribute
This day of remembrance transcends mere words to become an indelible act against violence and racism. The families and friends of Hichem wished for this march to be imbued with dignity and respect, and they insisted that it was a white march and not a political demonstration. This reflects a desire to regain harmony and mutual respect within communities.
In an increasingly divided society by racial tensions, this collective emotion displayed during the white march sends a strong signal. The community of Puget-sur-Argens, by honoring Hichem Miraoui, reaffirmed its commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence. This gathering symbolizes the expression of a commitment from the people to fight against discrimination, a promise for a serene and united future in a world where everyone can live without fear because of their origins or culture.
This march is not just a memory; it must be a call to action for all, to ensure that racist violence never finds its place in our society. The white march left an imprint in the hearts, reminding every participant to strive for a better future.
