France is grappling with a surge in anti-Semitic acts, with more than 400 individuals having been arrested since the reignition of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, a significant increase from the 183 arrests confirmed as of October 17, multiple sources reported.
On Saturday, thousands of people protested in Paris in support of the Palestinian people, defying an official ban. Demonstrators gathered in Place du Châtelet, singing chants such as “Gaza, Gaza, Paris is with you!”
Members of the French parliament and activists joined the demonstrators, wearing keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags, including Deputy Aurélien Taché from the Green party.
Deputy Mayor #of Corbeil-Essonnes, Elsa Toure, delivered a powerful message, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire to save the lives of women, children, and men.
Comedian Samia Ouirzane held a sign that read, “Where has our humanity gone?” expressing her frustration with the lack of international intervention. Another protester stressed the importance of demanding an end to the violence and not remaining silent in the face of the civilian tragedy.
A large police presence cordoned off the square and prevented the throng from marching anywhere else, levying 135 Euro fines as individuals tried to exit the square.
Activists have criticized the laws restricting protests in France, asserting their right to express their opposition to violence and support for the Palestinian people.
As Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip rages on with the anticipated ground assault having begun over the weekend, Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez confirmed in an interview with BFM TV that more than 80 people have been arrested in Paris for alleged anti-Semitic crimes. The authorities have identified over 200 incidents since October 7, including attacks on citizens, property, schools, and synagogues, with the number of arrests increasing daily.
The Pharos platform, which was created to gather and address online hate content, has received over 9,300 alerts. Around 600 of these have been reported to the court system for further investigation and possible legal action.
France’s Minister of Justice Éric Dupond-Moretti issued an official statement, stating that out of more than 800 anti-Semitic acts reported in the last 21 days, 406 individuals have been arrested. 300 of the 5,300 alerts received by the Pharos platform have resulted in legal action.
“We’ve seen prison sentences handed down,” Dupont-Moretti said, emphasizing the need to respond “firmly and immediately to heinous acts that have no place in our democracy.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, during a recent interview with BFM TV warned about the ramifications of escalating anti-Semitism in France. “The problem isn’t just that Jews are concerned; it’s a problem for all democratic societies,” he said.
He also denounced what he described as a “tragedy” concerning the attacks on Israel by Hamas, “The Jews suffer first, as always, but they are never the last to suffer.”
The recent increase in anti-Semitic acts has led to a national debate in France on the appropriate balance between freedom of speech and prohibitions on protests, and the viability of authorities’ measures amid international conflict to deal with rising hate crimes, causing serious concerns among French citizens and the international community.