Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced on May 6, 2024, that there were “366 antisemitic incidents” recorded in France in the first quarter of 2024, representing a “300% increase compared to the first three months of 2023.” He emphasized that the Jewish population in France represents just 1% of the total population, yet over 60% of anti-religious acts are antisemitic. Attal vowed to ensure that every act is punished and that no antisemite should have peace of mind. He called for a thorough census of these cases and their resulting convictions to be conducted.
Attal also highlighted the rise of antisemitism and the need for strong action against it, attributing it to the grave threat of Islamism and separatism. He accused the leader of La France insoumise, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, of promoting hate and spreading unworthy insinuations. The government has initiated “anti-antisemitism symposiums” to address the concerning surge in antisemitic incidents. Minister Aurore Bergé convened leaders of various organizations and representatives of the six main religions to address this issue.
Since October 7, 2023, following the Hamas attack on Israel, there has been a significant increase in antisemitic acts, spreading through various platforms and affecting daily life in France. The President of the CRIF, Yonathan Arfi, emphasized the importance of mobilizing civil society to counter this surge in hatred. The total number of antisemitic incidents in France nearly quadrupled in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching 1,676 incidents, as reported by the Ministry of Interior. An IFOP survey for the American Jewish Committee revealed that 94% of French Jews believe antisemitism has increased in the past decade.
The government’s focus on addressing antisemitism includes a commitment to combat Islamism and separatism, which are seen as significant contributors to antisemitism. Attal criticized both La France insoumise and Rassemblement national for their approaches to the issue and called for a united front against hate. The call for thorough investigations, monitoring, and condemnation of antisemitic incidents is part of the government’s strategy to tackle rising antisemitism and ensure the safety and security of the Jewish community in France.
The deep concern over the surge in antisemitic acts in France has prompted the government to take action through symposiums and collaborations with various organizations to address the root causes and find effective solutions. The rise in antisemitism based on attitudes towards Israel has also been noted, with a concerning trend among young adults. There is a growing recognition of the need to address these issues at various levels of society to combat hate and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all communities in France.
