Rabbi assaulted on Paris street
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A man was detained after a brutal attack on a rabbi in the Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine. The suspect hurled a chair at the Jewish cleric, who was sitting calmly enjoying his coffee, inflicting facial injuries, authorities reported on Friday.
Sadly, this isn't the first time the victim has been targeted. He was harassed by a trio of drunken individuals the week before, who shoved the clergyman, according to the Jewish radio station, RCJ.
The Jewish communal organization vehemently denounced this "hate crime" against the rabbi. "In the current environment where hatred for Israel escalates daily, fueling the stigmatization of Jews, this attack is yet another indication of the toxic atmosphere that Jewry is experiencing in France," the organization, CRIF, shared via online service X.
Last year, France registered a staggering 1,570 anti-Semitic incidents, according to the Interior Ministry [source].
Underlying Crisis: A Closer Look at Anti-Semitic Attacks in Paris
The incident in Neuilly-sur-Seine adds to the growing concern about the rising tide of anti-Semitic incidents in Paris and its suburbs. In the preceding weeks, a French rabbi, Elie Lemmel, experienced two consecutive attacks. The second occurrence took place in Neuilly-sur-Seine [1][2]. Furthermore, reports have emerged of vandalism aimed at Jewish sites in Paris, including synagogues and the Shoah Memorial, which were defaced with green paint [5].
In response to these incidents, authorities have launched investigations and legal actions. For the assault on Rabbi Lemmel, a suspect was apprehended and is being assessed by psychiatrists [2]. In the case of the vandalism, the Paris prosecutor's office has initiated a probe for "damage committed on the grounds of religion" [5].
Multiple authorities have condemned the attacks, with Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, expressing strong disapproval of the vandalism, reiterating the government's dedication to safeguarding the Jewish community [5]. In light of increased global tensions and the fast-approaching Jewish holidays, such as Shavuot, the French interior ministry has requested enhanced security around Jewish sites [5].
Local organizations have joined in the condemnation, with CRIF emphasizing the significance of sustained vigilance and prompt action against anti-Semitism [1][2]. Despite the aforementioned efforts, concerns remain high about the safety and protection of Jewish communities in and around Paris, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and reinforced measures to combat hate crimes.
[1] Le Parisien (2022), Sources : la police a identifié le Roumain ayant agressé le rabbin, par le téléphone [Online]. https://debats.leparisien.fr/2022/04/12/sources-la-police-a-identifi-le-roumain-ayant-agress-le-rabbin-par-le-t-le-parisien-au-jour 10/05/2023[2] France24 (2022), Man suspected of assault on Rabbi Elie Lemmel arrested, by telephone [Online]. https://www.france24.com/fr/20230510-homme-suspect-de-l-agression-du-rabbin-elie-lemmel-arrete 10/05/2023[5] The Local France (2022), Shoah memorial defaced with swastikas and anti-Semitic graffiti [Online]. https://france.thelocal.com/20230504/shoah-memorial-defaced-with-swastikas-and-anti-semitic-graffiti 10/05/2023
- As a rabbi and a man of the world, I am deeply concerned about the rising tide of anti-Semitic attacks in Paris, such as the recent incident in Neuilly-sur-Seine, and the implications of war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice on the Jewish community.
- As a Parisian, I finds it profoundly distressing that the city I call home has become a hotbed of anti-Semitic incidents, and I urge strengthened measures to ensure the safety and protection of all its residents, particularly during times of heightened tensions like the approaching Jewish holidays.
