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Olive Tree Honoring Ilan Halimi Found Partially Sawed Near Lyon, Probe Launched

Officials are investigating the attack against a backdrop of repeated damage to Halimi memorials.

Overview

  • The Saint-Genis-Laval mayor said the olive tree, planted on September 3, 2025 in the Villa Chapuis park, was discovered partly cut after the weekend.
  • Mayor Marylène Millet reported the tree was gravely damaged but not currently threatened and said the town will plant a new olive in Halimi’s honor.
  • Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the vandalism and vowed that authorities will find those responsible.
  • Regional prefect Fabienne Buccio announced that the gendarmerie has opened an investigation into the incident.
  • The case follows other reported damage to Halimi memorials, including an Épinay-sur-Seine tree felled in 2025 that led to convictions without recognition of an antisemitic motive—now under appeal—and a plaque found twisted in Cagnes-sur-Mer.