You Will Not Have My Hate

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"On Friday night you stole the life of an exceptional person, the love of my life, the mother of my son, but you will not have my hate." On November 13, 2015, Antoine Leiris's wife, Helene Muyal-Leiris, was killed by terrorists at the Bataclan Theater in Paris. Three days later, Leiris wrote an open letter to his wife's killers on Facebook, vowing not to let his seventeen-month-old son’s life be defined by Helene's murder. He declared, "For as long as he lives, this little boy will insult you with his happiness and freedom." This poignant message resonated globally, making Leiris an emblem of resilience in the face of terror. In his memoir, he shares the profound journey of grief and survival he and his son, Melvil, faced after Helene's death. With emotional courage, he confronts the harrowing reality of visiting Helene's body, explaining her absence to Melvil, and burying the woman he loved. Leiris's grief is immense, yet his love for his family remains unwavering. This powerful testimony reflects a universal message of hope and resilience, as he navigates incomprehensible pain with remarkable generosity of spirit. His belief that love will ultimately conquer hate serves as a guiding light in these challenging times.