Massive Anti-Semitism Protest Engulfs France with Over 180,000 Demonstrators
Over 180,000 protesters unite in France against rising antisemitism, denouncing the alarming surge in hate crimes amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict A powerful display of solidarity against discrimination
Thousands of people gathered in various cities in France on Sunday to denounce the significant increase in antisemitic incidents amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. In Paris, approximately 105,000 participants took part in the demonstration, marking it as the largest rally against antisemitism since the 1990 protest against the desecration of the Jewish cemetery in Carpentras, as reported by CNN affiliate BFM TV.
In the French capital, political figures such as Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, and former presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy joined the protesters. They collectively held a banner bearing the words, "For the Republic, against antisemitism." Demonstrators in other cities including Nice, Lyon, and Marseille came out in smaller numbers, as reported by BFM TV. According to the interior ministry, over 182,000 individuals participated in marches throughout the country.
Tensions in France, especially in the capital, have escalated due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to an increase in incidents of antisemitism, as stated by French President Emmanual Macron. In a letter published in the French newspaper Le Parisien on Saturday, Macron strongly condemned the "disturbing rise of unchecked antisemitism." He revealed that over 1,000 acts of antisemitism were reported in France within a month, which is three times the number recorded in the entire previous year.
Macron did not participate in the Sunday march. However, he expressed his concern on social media, stating that a France where Jewish citizens feel fearful is not a true representation of the country. He further emphasized that a France where individuals are afraid due to their religion or ethnicity contradicts the core values of the nation, and that there should be no acceptance of such intolerance.
On Sunday, Macron reaffirmed France's support for Israel, following criticism from influential figures in the country regarding his remarks in a previous BBC interview.
In the interview on Friday, Macron emphasized that a ceasefire is the sole resolution to the Gaza situation. He expressed empathy, stating, "We empathize with the suffering and stand united in our determination to combat terrorism. In France, we understand the implications of terrorism all too well. However, there is no justification for targeting innocent civilians," affirmed Macron.
During a phone conversation on Sunday with Israeli President Issac Herzog, Macron emphasized that Israel has the legitimate right to protect itself "in accordance with international humanitarian law." The statement from the Elysee Palace mentioned that Macron recognized the necessity of eliminating the threat posed by terrorist groups in Gaza.
The content should be rewritten as follows:
"The conduct of this battle must adhere to international humanitarian law while considering the safeguarding of civilian populations."
Macrons' appeal for a cessation of hostilities echoed as far as Australia, where Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged his remarks, stating, "We share the desire to proceed towards a ceasefire."
But she added that it cannot be one-sided, pointing out that Palestinian militant group Hamas, who attacked Israel on October 7, still holds Israeli hostages.
Pro-Palestinian rallies in Europe
In addition to the pro-Palestinian demonstrations in several European cities, France also witnessed marches against antisemitism.
According to the police, approximately 300,000 individuals gathered in London on Saturday for a significant pro-Palestinian rally. They marched through the streets of the British capital, urging for a ceasefire.
A strong police presence was observed at Hyde Park Corner in central London as demonstrators chanted "free, free Palestine" and the more contentious slogan "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!" Law enforcement stated that they encountered aggression from counter-protesters who flooded the area in large numbers during the gathering.
Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist stated that a group of 150 individuals were stopped by officers for launching fireworks towards the end of the march. According to the statement released on Saturday, arrests were made when some of the fireworks hit officers in the face.
Additionally, pro-Palestinian demonstrations occurred in Frankfurt, Germany's financial capital, on Sunday, as well as in Barcelona and Brussels on Saturday.
