European hatred: A journey through antisemitism in France - to elections that endanger the Jewish community
An i24NEWS team embarks on a journey following the surge of antisemitism in France, describing a reality where Jews, who make up less than one percent of the population, suffer 60% of hate crimes. Since October 7, incidents have soared by 400%, and the community is forced to conceal Jewish symbols. The report focuses on fears of the upcoming elections and the threat from the far-left led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
An i24NEWS team embarked on a documentary journey following the surge of antisemitism in France, presenting a grim picture of the Jewish community in Paris. The report describes how the effects of October 7 have turned the French capital into a boiling anti-Israeli hotspot, where cries of 'go to hell Jews' and Palestinian flags in squares have become part of daily reality. Jews, who make up less than one percent of the population, suffer 60% of hate crimes in the country, and since the outbreak of the war, antisemitic incidents have soared by 400%. This reality forces the community to conceal Jewish symbols: mezuzahs are removed from doors, kippahs are hidden under hats, and dedicated ride-hailing apps are established to avoid hostile encounters. On the political front, the report points to the threat from the far-left led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who refuses to define Hamas as a terrorist organization and is perceived by the community as an enemy fueling hatred. Community members are quoted in fear: 'If he is elected, it will be the clearest sign that it's time to pack suitcases.' French Jewry, the third-largest community in the world, stands at a crossroads between clinging to life in Paris and growing waves of emigration to Israel.