As antisemitism surges in France, Rabbi Yaacov Bitton of Sarcelles Chabad predicts that the Jewish community may have just a decade left before they are forced to leave. Speaking with The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday, Bitton, who leads the Beth Loubavitch de Sarcelles, expressed hope for the community’s longevity but shared his personal belief that the situation is dire.
Bitton recounted a troubling history of violence against Jews in Sarcelles, which intensified during the First and Second Intifadas and the 2014 Protective Edge operation against Hamas. He noted that Jewish businesses were attacked, and the city has seen increased antisemitic incidents, particularly following the October 7 Massacre. Although the frequency of attacks was lower than feared, the threat remains high, with Jewish families increasingly uncomfortable and choosing Chabad education for their children over public schools.
Bitton observed a growing reluctance among local Jews to associate with Muslims and Arabs, exacerbated by the responses to the October 7 massacre and the subsequent conflict with Hamas. Many Jewish families have relocated from Garges-les-Gonesse and Sarcelles, with around 30 families making aliyah to Israel each year. Despite the challenges, Bitton’s son Shalom emphasized that Chabad remains committed to supporting the community as long as there are Jews in Sarcelles.
Amid the rising tide of antisemitism, the Bitton family continues to strengthen Jewish identity and Torah study through expanded Chabad facilities and year-round programming, including youth trips and educational activities. Shalom Bitton assured that Chabad would remain a pillar of support for as long as it is needed.
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