France Faces Spike in Anti-Semitic Attacks
February 22, 2019
In the News
On February 19th, thousands protested in France against anti-Semitism using the slogan “That’s Enough” (Ca suffit). Demonstrators gathered to condemn attacks against the Jewish community that have taken place in the last two weeks, including the desecration of nearly 100 Jewish graves in the East of the country and the vandalization of businesses and memorials in the Paris area.
President Emmanuel Macron has declared that anti-Semitism is at its highest since World War II. France announced that it will undertake a series of measures to combat the resurgence, including the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism, which includes anti-Zionism, and the crackdown of three anti-Semitic and far-right groups in the country.
Anti-Semitism is increasingly visible on both sides of the Atlantic. The massacre of 11 individuals at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in October 2018 and incidences across the US in 2017, from alt-right rallies to the desecration of cemeteries, were a reminder that anti-Semitism remains prevalent. Both countries have experienced rises in hate crimes against Jews in recent years of 74% in France since 2018 and 57% in the US between 2017 and 2016.
In January 2019, a US Congressional proposal titled Combating European Anti-Semitism Act became public law. In September 2017, following the rally in Charlottesville, Congress adopted a joint resolution condemning the gathering as an act of racism, violence, and domestic terror and called on the US administration to combat hate groups and their growing presence.
The French-American Foundation condemns anti-Semitism and discrimination of any kind. We invite any interested individuals to attend a special event called “SAY NO to Anti-Semitism” at the Consulate General of France in New York on February 27th. Click here for more information. The event is open to the public.
American Jews confront rising tide of anti-Semitism, France 24, October 30, 2018
H.R.672 – Combating European Anti-Semitism Act of 2017, Congress
Thousands protest against anti-Semitism in France, BBC News, February 19, 2019
Working Definition of Antisemitism, International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, July 19, 2018
Macron announces crackdown on anti-Semitism in France, BBC News, February 21, 2019