France's LFI Party Faces Criticism Over Antisemitism Forum Featuring Controversial MP

The French left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI) is organizing a public meeting in Nice on September 19 focused on combating antisemitism. The event will feature MP Danièle Obono and Simon Assoun from the Tsedek! collective. Obono and Assoun are expected to present a proposed LFI resolution against all forms of racism.

The choice of Obono to speak has sparked controversy due to her past statements, particularly her description of Hamas as a "resistance movement" following the October 7th attacks. In October 2023, she affirmed this view when questioned on Sud Radio, though she later clarified that Hamas should be held accountable for war crimes against Israeli civilians. These remarks led to public outrage and prompted then-Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin to refer the matter to prosecutors for "apology of terrorism."

In a video announcing the meeting, Obono stated that the fight against racism in all its forms is a strategic priority for LFI. She pledged to outline the movement's analysis of antisemitism and its actions in the National Assembly and within anti-racist movements.

The association Femme Azadi has strongly criticized the initiative, citing Obono's previous comments on Hamas and deeming her participation in an anti-antisemitism conference inappropriate. This event occurs amidst ongoing accusations that LFI harbors ambiguities regarding antisemitism and Islamism, charges the party denies while asserting its commitment to fighting all forms of racism. Several LFI elected officials continue to face criticism for their statements concerning Israel and Hamas.

The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 PM at 27 rue Smolett in Nice and will be open to the public.