The Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, delivered a speech at the annual dinner of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF) at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris on May 6, 2024. He highlighted the current wave of anti-Semitic hatred in France, describing it as more intense and widespread than in previous years. Attal mentioned that 366 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded in France in the first quarter of 2024, representing a 300% increase compared to the same period in 2023. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging and combatting this wave of anti-Semitism, accusing certain political figures such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon of fueling hatred.
Attal also criticized the far-right National Rally party for what he described as their cynical support of French Jews in order to further anti-Muslim sentiments. He pledged to demonstrate exemplary firmness in addressing every act of anti-Semitism and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating this issue. These statements were made at the CRIF dinner following Yom Hashoah, the Holocaust Remembrance Day, and almost seven months after a terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel. Attal’s speech aimed to address the rising tide of anti-Semitic incidents and the government’s response to this troubling trend.
Earlier in the day, a conference on combating anti-Semitism took place in Paris under the leadership of the Minister responsible for anti-discrimination, Aurore Bergé, who was also present at the CRIF dinner. The conference brought together key anti-racism and anti-Semitism organizations, as well as representatives from various religious groups, to discuss the importance of collective action in addressing anti-Semitism. The goal was to foster a space for open discussion and exchange of ideas to identify common ground and develop a manifesto that would guide future actions against anti-Semitism.
The conference, led by history professor Marie-Anne Matard-Bonucci from Paris-VIII University, will conclude at the end of June after engaging with various political parties represented in the National Assembly. Members from different political affiliations, including those from the France insoumise and National Rally parties, are expected to contribute to the ongoing reflections and discussions. The focus is on creating a unified front against anti-Semitism and ensuring that all voices are heard in developing strategies to combat this pervasive form of hatred in French society.
The rising anti-Semitic incidents in France have prompted government officials and civil society leaders to come together to address the root causes of this phenomenon and work towards a shared understanding of the challenges ahead. By engaging in dialogue and collaborative efforts, they hope to mobilize resources and support to combat anti-Semitism and promote tolerance and respect for all communities. This ongoing process of reflection and action is essential in the fight against hate and discrimination, and it underscores the importance of unity and solidarity in confronting such divisive issues in society.
