Arras Commemorates Dominique Bernard One Year After Tragic Attack
On October 13, 2024, the city of Arras in Pas-de-Calais held a poignant tribute to Professor Dominique Bernard, marking one year since his tragic assassination by a radicalized former student. The ceremony, which began at 11 a.m. — the exact time of the attack — took place at Place des Héros, the same location where thousands gathered shortly after the incident. Attendees included government officials, family members, and community members, all united in remembrance of Bernard's life and teachings.
The tribute was designed as a 'cultural memorial sequence,' according to Arras Mayor Frédéric Leturque. The event featured a series of artistic performances, including interpretations of Mozart's quartet K.285 and poetry readings aimed at celebrating the values of the Republic, such as freedom and coexistence. Isabelle Bernard, Dominique's widow, emphasized the importance of using art as a way to honor her husband’s legacy and to promote humanist values among the youth.
Honoring a Legacy of Education and Humanity
Dominique Bernard, a dedicated teacher for 25 years, was known for instilling a love of literature in his students. His widow, Isabelle, shared her sentiments about the attack, stating that it sparked a realization of vulnerability among educators. In response to this tragedy, she established a literary prize in her husband's name, encouraging teenagers to engage with themes of tolerance through short stories. The first edition of the prize aims to inspire young writers to embrace openness and creativity, countering the isolation that often follows acts of violence.
As a further mark of respect, a minute of silence was observed in middle and high schools across France on the following Monday, honoring both Dominique Bernard and Samuel Paty, another teacher who lost his life to a similar act of violence in 2020. This collective remembrance serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by educators in a world where radicalization poses a real threat.
