Paris, France – Authorities in Paris have initiated a thorough investigation into the numerous instances of Stars of David that have been defaced on buildings throughout the city and its suburbs. These acts have been widely perceived as not only antisemitic but also deeply threatening to the Jewish community, especially amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Prime Minister of France, Elisabeth Borne, unequivocally condemned these reprehensible acts, vowing that they will not go unpunished.
In recent days, fresh instances of the Star of David symbol have been discovered on the exteriors of multiple buildings in the southern district of Paris. Similar markings have also surfaced in suburban areas of the city, including Vanves, Fontenay-aux-Roses, and Aubervilliers.
Notably, in the town of Saint-Ouen, these vandalizations were accompanied by inscriptions such as “Palestine will overcome.”
Since the commencement of the violent Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, French authorities have documented an alarming 857 cases of antisemitic acts, according to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. He remarked that, “That’s as many acts of antisemitism in three weeks as have been reported for the entire year.” Darmanin has assured Jewish communities throughout France that they will receive unwavering protection around the clock.
The Union of Jewish Students of France stated that the vandalism was deliberately reminiscent of the dark period during the 1930s and World War II when Jews were required to wear the Star of David as an emblem of persecution. Samuel Lejoyeux, the president of the union, emphasized that these acts echo the painful history that ultimately led to the Holocaust. He also underlined the intention of the vandals to instill fear.
Prime Minister Borne, who has a personal connection to the atrocities of the Holocaust as her father survived Auschwitz but tragically took his own life when she was just 11 years old, emphasized that it is the Republic’s duty to safeguard the Jewish population of France. She declared that those responsible for these acts must be arrested and prosecuted.
Local officials have unequivocally condemned the vandalism, emphasizing the contradiction of these acts with the fundamental values of tolerance, equality, and mutual respect. They are particularly concerned about the current context of escalating violence in the Middle East.
The Jewish community in Paris has reported heightened concerns for their safety since the conflict in Israel escalated. Businesses in areas with a significant Jewish population have seen a substantial decline in customers, as people have become increasingly fearful of going out for daily activities. Jewish shopkeepers are reporting safety measures like closing their businesses an hour early and concealing religious symbols in public due to concerns about potential aggression.
Yonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions, noted that the surge in antisemitic incidents did not stem from a reaction to images from Gaza but began prior to the Israeli response to the Hamas attack.
As Israel continues its military operations against Gaza in response to the Hamas attacks, the antisemitic acts in France underline the urgent need to combat antisemitism, ensuring the protection and well-being of the Jewish community.
