Paris: 100,000 March Against Antisemitism

A historic march: tens od thousands of people marched today (Sunday) in the largest civil march against antisemitism, as the war between Israel and Hamas continues. The march included a large part of the French political spectrum, including the extreme right, but without the radical left.

The procession left the Place des Invalides at 15:00, with tens of thousands headed by an impressive list of political figures, including Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne, former Presidents Francois Hollande and Nicola Sarkozi, and even religious leaders. They held a large sign: “For the Republic and Against Antisemitism,” singing to the applause of participants.

According to the French police, more than 105,000 people marched in Paris, with 182,000 marching throughout the country, according to the Interior Ministry.

“Antisemitism kills,” declared a sign at the protest, directed against a rising number of antisemitic acts since the war started in the Middle East: marking homes with a Star of David, violence against Jews, and an attempted murder in the city of Lyon.

“To move mentality, a march isn’t enough”

One of the marchers explained why she was there: “My grandfather fought in the Resistance, if he was caught moving Jews, I wouldn’t be here today. If I was a Jew, I’d walk around feeling unsafe, and that’s not justified. France is not antisemitic.”

Another marcher was beside herself: “It’s a scandal what’s happening in France. It reminds one of WWII. It’s not logical that this return, the Holocaust and the prohibitions on Jews, there is no situation that this returns. Antisemitism in France has lifted its head. I am happy that we are very many, but to move mentality, a march is not enough.”

Another marcher clarified: “There is antisemitism against the Jews. Many people came to the march and this is encouraging. This story is not just about Jews. If we do not take responsibility, antisemitism will return.”