French Chief Rabbi attacked and bitten while walking home from synagogue with his son

The chief rabbi of Orléans, Rabbi Aryeh Engelberg, was physically assaulted yesterday afternoon (Shabbat) while walking home from synagogue with his 9-year-old son, according to French authorities.

The attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. when Engelberg was reportedly kicked, punched, and bitten on the shoulder by a 16-year-old assailant. The rabbi suffered additional injuries to his head during the assault.

A passerby intervened during the attack, causing the perpetrator to flee the scene. Local law enforcement later identified the suspect through security camera footage and arrested him at approximately 9:45 p.m. on Saturday evening.

Orléans public prosecutor Emmanuelle Bochenek-Puren has launched an investigation into what authorities are classifying as "intentional violence committed because of the victim's religious affiliation."

According to French media reports, the 16-year-old suspect has no prior criminal record and was previously unknown to intelligence services.

A witness identified only as Yann told reporters that he observed the attacker deliver "three or four violent blows" to the rabbi. "I saw him kick the rabbi's hat," the witness stated, adding that he noticed blood on Engelberg's neck and injuries to the rabbi's hand, apparently sustained while trying to defend himself.

Orléans Mayor Serge Grouard condemned the incident as a "despicable and intolerable act" in a statement on social media. He expressed full support for Rabbi Engelberg, his family, and the entire Jewish community.

The attack comes amid rising antisemitism in France. A recent study by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in France found that 61% of French Jews reported experiencing antisemitic incidents in person since October 7, 2023, often being blamed for actions of the Israeli government. Another survey revealed that nearly one in five French citizens under 35, and 12% of the general population, stated they "would be happy if Jews left France."

Rabbi Engelberg has filed a formal complaint with the Orléans police department. The investigation is ongoing.

Ynet contributed to this article.