the logbook of a former Bataclan hostage, week 27

Since September 8, 2021 the trial of the attacks of November 13 is held in Paris. David Fritz-Goeppinger, victim of these attacks is now a photographer and author. He agreed to share via this logbook his feelings, in image and in writing, during the long months of this river trial, which began on Wednesday September 8, 2021 before the special assize court in Paris. On this page, an unusual post in the flow of those published week after week. David Fritz-Goeppinger met Joseph Pfeifer, New York firefighter, one of the “ordinary heroes” of 9/11. Joe is both a victim of this attack and the first officer of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) to intervene.

>> The twenty-sixth week diary

Monday, May 16. I left Paris and the audience for three weeks. My phone always at hand to scroll through the long lists of tweets from Charlotte and Sophie *, detailing one by one the testimony of civil parties at the helm of V13. I would be lying if I said I missed the trial and the sanctuary. The real disconnect was on board the plane, I understood the absolute immutable aspect of justice by taking one last look at the logbook folder and its many files. Justice continues its inexorable fate, whatever happens, whether we are there or not. I cling to the fact that it is returned, as if it were a sign that society was moving forward, but towards what?

I also learned that Farid Kharkhach had contracted Covid and that the hearing again had to be interrupted, until tomorrow. I also read that the lawyers for the civil parties gave up one day of pleadings to the victims so that they had more time to file. The president’s schedule is starting to get tight and it shows. Deep down, I wonder how to ring the truth and pain while looking at his watch to make sure the next speaker on the list has the opportunity to do so. Part of my mind wanders as I walk the streets of Manhattan. I’m tired in advance, always further behind, always longer, will this ever stop?

A week ago, I had an appointment with a friend, Joseph Pfeifer, retired “Chief” of the Fire Department of the City of New York**. I met him for the first time four years ago, thanks to the assistance of a close friend victim of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Joseph “Joe”, Pfeifer is the first chief firefighter to appear at the foot of the twin towers and takes the reins of the rescue operation. He does not know it, but at this precise moment begins the largest operation led by the FDNY but also the series of deadliest attacks in the United States and in history. The victims are numerous despite the relentless struggle of the whole intervening body. Among them, the Chief’s brother, Kevin Pfeifer, who died in the collapse of the North Tower. Joe is one of those figures who combine simplicity and a deep strength, rooted in him. The eyes of a discreet hero.

To tell the truth, if I chose this photograph among so many others it is for the same reason as the previous portraits of victims, lawyers and people linked to the trial: the sincerity in the look. At the end of lunch and after having posed soberly, the Chief hands me his book. His title : Ordinary Heroes.

A few days before and with the help of the same friend, I visit the former Chief’s barracks: FDNY Engine 7, Ladder 1, Battalion 1.*** Located at 100 Duane Street, the barracks nestled in a building typical of the Grande Pomme smells of candlelight despite the blackness of the soot of ancient battles against the flames. We are greeted by a firefighter who takes his lunch and pays us a little visit to my wife and me.

Returned to childhood, I photograph everything I see and ask my friend about each of the elements of the huge barracks. The fireman hands me one of their response jackets and I find it hard not to smile, but the jacket is heavy, like the story of where I am.

It’s been several days since I got back but I find it hard to forget the immensity of the 9/11 memorial. Like scars left raw in the heart of a city which, for a moment, fell into terror but which the next time managed to rebuild without ever forgetting it. Now a professor at Harvard, Joseph Pfeifer took part in the creation of a prevention center within the FDNY: the Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness**** which trains first responders and first responders to a better response in terrorist attack or natural disaster. He is also a Senior Fellow (American equivalent of researcher) at the Combating Terrorism Center***** at West Point.

I wanted to write these few words and show in a few photographs this rare moment and turn my gaze one last time towards Manhattan. The trial resumes tomorrow with new depositions from civil parties, breathing ends.

Until tomorrow.

* Charlotte Piret and Sophie Parmentier, police-justice journalists at France Inter.
** New York City Fire Department.
*** In New York, each of the fire stations consists of two intervention vehicles: the Engine (fire engine) and the Ladder (ladder truck).
**** Terrorism and Natural Disaster Preparedness Center.
***** Counter Terrorism Center.