Rabbin Assaulted in Neuilly-sur-Seine: President of Crif States, "Assaulting a Rabbi Equates to Eradicating Jews, Muzzling Them"
In a chilling reflection of the rising tide of antisemitism, a rabbi serving as the visible face of Jewish presence in society has been heartlessly targeted in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. This alarming incident, as Yonathan Arfi, president of the Crif, the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France, points out, is far more than a mere attack on an individual – it's an attempt to silence and erase the Jewish community.
Yonathan frames the context thusly: the vicious, uninhibited antisemitism that has surged since October 7, 2023, has catalyzed such brazen acts against even the most visible Jewish leaders.
"Rabbi Lemmel is confronting the aggression he endured this week and last with unwavering dignity," Yonathan remarks. He observes that there appears to be an insidious authorization behind the targeting of Jews, where they are assigned the responsibility of explaining conflicts 4,000 kilometers away in the Middle East. This depressing reality has become an unwelcome constant.
Yonathan implores the government to adapt our fight against contemporary antisemitism – the type that cloaks itself in the words of hatred for Israel and hides in Islamist ideologies. He also alleges that the LFI (La France Insoumise) intentionally minimizes public debates on Gaza by exploiting the public for their own ends, knowing full well that such manipulations provoke acts against French Jews because vulnerable minds will be all too eager to make shortcuts.
The current climate in France is a bleak one for the Jewish community, with antisemitic incidents on the rise, particularly targeting Jewish sites and individuals. It's essential for stronger measures to be implemented to protect Jewish communities and counteract this rising hatred. It's deeply concerning to note that this surge in antisemitism is not limited to France but is a worrying trend throughout the world, with countries like the UK experiencing a significant rise in anti-Semitic attacks. France has taken steps to combat this, but it's clear that more needs to be done.
In the context of the escalating antisemitism in France, Yonathan Arfi, president of the Crif, has accused the LFI (La France Insoumise) of exploiting public sentiments for their own gains, intentionally minimizing debates on Gaza and provoking acts against French Jews. Moreover, the rising tide of antisemitism in France is reflected in the targeting of Jewish leaders, such as Rabbi Lemmel, in general news, crime and justice, and political discussions.
