Marine Le Pen, the president of the Rassemblement National (RN) group at the Palais-Bourbon, was joined by RN deputy from the Nord region Sébastien Chenu and RN president Jordan Bardella during the “great civic march” against anti-Semitism in Paris on November 12, 2023. A “secret meeting” between Le Pen, her advisor Renaud Labaye, and around twenty leaders of Jewish communities in the Ile-de-France region took place on July 1 in a Parisian bar. This marked a significant moment for the RN, which had previously been marginalized due to the anti-Semitism of many of its members, including Jean-Marie Le Pen, the former president of the Front National, which later became the RN.
While the far-right party still refuses to publicly acknowledge the event, information about the meeting quickly spread through anonymous accounts on social media and statements from the organizers in Le Journal du Dimanche. This was seen as a symbolic gesture of the RN’s efforts to gain respectability among French Jews, especially in the wake of terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel on October 7, 2023. The RN has been vocal in condemning anti-Semitism and expressing support for Israel, which has had a profound impact on the Jewish community in France.
Jewish religious leaders agree that the events of October 7 marked a turning point in their vulnerability and in the political landscape. French Jews, feeling a sense of solitude since then, have welcomed gestures of support, such as those shown by the RN, in the face of rising anti-Semitic acts. Marine Le Pen has been consistent in her support for the Jewish community since taking over the leadership of the party in 2011, using the fight against anti-Semitism as a key element in the party’s efforts to overcome its controversial past and gain mainstream acceptance.
The RN’s public support for the Jewish community has not gone unnoticed, especially in comparison to the perceived ambiguity of the left. Previously seen as a dangerous political force, the RN is now viewed more favorably by many in the Jewish community, thanks to its strong stance against anti-Semitism and support for Israel. This shift in perception has been particularly evident since the events of October 7, which has galvanized support for the Jewish community and highlighted the importance of political alliances in times of crisis.
Marine Le Pen’s strategy of “de-demonizing” the far-right movement and positioning the RN as a legitimate political force has gained momentum in recent years, with the fight against anti-Semitism serving as a key element of this endeavor. By actively denouncing anti-Semitic acts and expressing solidarity with the Jewish community, the RN has sought to distance itself from its controversial past and present itself as a viable alternative to the mainstream political establishment. The party’s efforts to gain acceptance and support among French Jews have been met with cautious optimism, as the community navigates the challenges of rising anti-Semitism and political uncertainty.
As the RN continues to navigate its complex relationship with the Jewish community and strive for mainstream acceptance, the events surrounding the “secret meeting” serve as a reminder of the party’s evolving political strategy and the changing dynamics of French politics. By engaging in dialogue with Jewish leaders and taking a strong stance against anti-Semitism, the RN is looking to position itself as a credible political force that can address the concerns and needs of all French citizens, regardless of their background or beliefs.
