Born in Mali, Bathily came to France as an undocumented migrant at the age of 16. During the attack, while terrorists were holding hostages upstairs, 24-year-old Bathily led a several people to a safe place, turning off the lights and disabling the cooling system to avoid attracting the attention of the gunmen. Bathily remained calm and reassured the terrified group, instructing them to stay quiet and wait for the danger to pass.
After securing the customers in the fridge, Bathily managed to escape the building via a goods lift. Once outside, he alerted the police to the situation inside, providing them with valuable information about the layout of the store and the position of the hostages and gunmen. Initially, police officers suspected him of being an accomplice, as they struggled to comprehend that a young Black Muslim man could be an employee at the Jewish supermarket. He was immediately cuffed and detained for 90 minutes before being cleared and then assisted law enforcement with key details that helped in the resolution of the crisis.
“Why did I rescue the Jewish customers? I simply acted, without seeking honors. I never hesitate for a single moment when I think we have to do the right thing.”
The attack, which claimed the lives of four hostages, took place just two days after the deadly assault on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, further plunging Paris into a state of fear and mourning. In the aftermath of the Hyper Cacher tragedy, Bathily emerged as a symbol of solidarity, courage, and humanity amidst the horrific violence. His actions transcended religious and cultural divides, showcasing the shared humanity that binds people together, even in the face of terrorism.
Bathily’s heroism did not go unnoticed. Calls for official recognition of his bravery spread rapidly across social media, with many hailing him as the true hero of the hostage crisis. His story became a global symbol of hope and unity, with countless people retweeting photographs of him and expressing admiration for his courage.
For his life-saving actions, Bathily was granted French citizenship, a gesture of gratitude from the French government for his service to the nation during a moment of profound crisis. He has been honored as a Righteous in the Gardens of the Righteous in Tunis and Vercelli, a recognition reserved for individuals who risk their lives to save others during times of atrocity. Bathily was also offered a position at the Paris mayor’s office in the Youth and Sport department, where he remains employed to this day.
“My journey hasn’t been easy. I came to France when I was only 16 years old without any working papers. Integration wasn’t easy for me at first. There were a lot of steps I had to take to advance and get to where I am today. I think it’s important to hear the whole story, so they truly know who I am and where I came from.”
Bathily’s bravery has become a source of inspiration, not just in France, but around the world. In addition to his work in the Paris mayor’s office, he has established a non-profit organization aimed at helping his homeland of Mali, continuing to make a positive impact on society.
Three years after the attack, Bathily attended the vigil for Mireille Knoll in a powerful moment of solidarity. Knoll, an elderly Holocaust survivor, was murdered in 2018 in a hate crime committed by a Muslim neighbor and an accomplice. As he quietly took a seat in the back row of the synagogue, his presence spoke volumes. For many of the attendees, Bathily’s participation at the vigil served as a poignant reminder of his heroism and the bond he formed with the Jewish community in the face of terror. After the ceremony, many gathered around him, thanking him once again for the courage he displayed during the darkest of times.
Bathily’s actions reflect an unwavering moral compass, rooted in the belief that one should always do the right thing, regardless of the potential personal risk. Though he never sought recognition for his actions and repeatedly denounced the title of hero, he has become a symbol of what it means to stand up for others in the face of unimaginable danger. His story continues to inspire people of all backgrounds and serves as a powerful reminder of the shared values of humanity, compassion, and bravery.