France Battles Surge in Antisemitism: Over 850 Incidents Reported Following Hamas Attacks, Stars of David Graffitied on Paris Buildings
Investigations launched as over 400 arrests made in response to a post-Hamas attack antisemitic surge in France, spanning suburban graffiti to physical violence, prompting major public concern and government vows for merciless combat against antisemitism.
- Over 850 antisemitic incidents have been reported in France following the Hamas attacks in Israel, a significant rise in such cases compared to previous years. These acts encompass a range of actions, from vandalism to physical violence.
- Numerous buildings in Paris and its suburbs have been defaced with antisemitic graffiti, including the Star of David and slogans such as 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will win', causing distress among Jewish residents and the wider community.
- The graffiti has been compared to actions during the 1930s Nazi regime and has sparked extensive investigations for property damage aggravated by racist intent, with over 400 arrests made so far.
- French government officials, including Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, have strongly condemned these antisemitic acts, vowing to protect the Jewish community and pledging a 'merciless fight' against antisemitism.
- These incidents have sparked widespread public concern, with a poll indicating that 83% of French people are worried about the rise in antisemitic incidents. There are concerns that tensions from the Israel-Hamas conflict are being imported into France.