The devastating fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris shows people should not wait for something "extreme to happen like this" to be brought together, U.S. Ambassador to France Jamie McCourt said Wednesday.
"We all share these values of democracy and liberty and protecting our freedoms," McCourt told CNN's "New Day." "It's manifested itself differently in our country versus France, so here people are used to protests and weekly protests. So, the tolerance level is extraordinarily different; it's part of the culture."
The fire at Notre Dame, happening in a place that is a significant "part of humanity" shows "we should take advantage of being brought together," McCourt added.
McCourt said there are currently "tons of people on the street" in Paris and there is a "bittersweet sense," because the fire was shocking, but it is also shocking so much remains of the cathedral.
"There's so much hope about rebuilding it, and all the things it can be," McCourt said. "President [Emmanuel] Macron has said it will be even better than it was before, and I actually believe that as well. The French are incredibly resilient."
She said she has spoken with President Donald Trump, who has also spoken with Macron, but "everyone is waiting" to see what is really needed when it comes to aid to rebuild the iconic structure.
"You're reading about all of the gifts that have been made from around the world," McCourt said. "You've heard about the crowdfunding, which has raised over $1 billion in a day-and-a-half. There's so much going on right now, I think we have to wait to see how it all falls out."
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