Je Suis Juif

I am Jewish. I am a cartoonist. I am in tears. I know there's no visible hug in this image, but I am sending hugs to everyone who feels the way that I do. As an Orthodox Jew, I now must prepare for the Sabbath. Something that victims of the hostage situation in the Kosher mart in Paris today were doing, and based on reports some will never be able to do again.

My name, Pere, is of French origin; I have French heritage somewhere in my history, so I am also French.

I have never been happier to be able to shut off my electronics and news feeds for 25 glorious hours and just appreciate the love and friendship that surround my Sabbath dinners. I send love to everyone, everywhere, that needs it. May we all have a peaceful, calm, uneventful weekend, and a much much better 2015 to come.

<3

Je Suis Charlie Hug

No words.  No words can express the sorrow all of us are feeling today about those killed today at the offices of Charlie Hebdo, the satirical newspaper in Paris.  This hug is for everyone who believes in the freedom of cartoonist expression.  As a cartoonist who only tries to bring happiness and hugs into the world, I cannot fathom those who have lost their lives today over their right to express themselves with pens and paper.  May the four French cartoonist and 8 other victims who lost their lives today rest in peace.