Israelis Describe Fleeing Riots in France
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Two Israelis, Yifat Shalom and her daughter Zoe, recounted being caught in violent riots in Montpellier, France, describing fleeing tear gas and panicked crowds. Another Israeli, Raphael Ben Simon, shortened his Paris trip due to protests he described as primarily pro-Palestinian. Nationwide, approximately 1,200 people were arrested as protests against living costs escalated into widespread riots, with significant destruction reported in Paris.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israelis Yifat Shalom and Zoe described fleeing riots and tear gas in Montpellier, France.
- Raphael Ben Simon, an Israeli in Paris, cut his trip short due to the protests.
- The protests in France were described by Israelis as primarily pro-Palestinian.
- Around 1,200 people were arrested nationwide during the violent demonstrations.
- Riots in Paris resulted in widespread destruction, with the mayor stating entire streets were destroyed.
Two Israelis, Yifat Shalom and her 18-year-old daughter Zoe, described their harrowing experience in Montpellier, France, where they were caught in massive protests that devolved into violent riots. The two were attempting to visit a friend and get a meal in the Place de la Comédie when they encountered thousands of protesters, many masked and carrying Palestinian flags, in an atmosphere described as highly charged and beyond the control of the police. "It didn't feel like a routine student protest," Yifat Shalom told N12. "I saw thousands of Palestinian flags, masked people wearing keffiyehs, and a very charged atmosphere far from any legitimate civil protest."
As the situation escalated, with fires breaking out in the square, the mother and daughter attempted to flee through an underground passage but were swept up in a panicked crowd. Yifat Shalom was engulfed in tear gas, describing the burning sensation in her eyes and throat as unbearable. "We managed somehow to reconnect and escape in the opposite direction. Even hours later, and until now, our faces are burning and I have severe nausea from the gas materials," she said. Their return to their apartment was further complicated by the suspension of public transport, forcing them to take detours to avoid riot zones. "I came from Israel to spend a quiet Shabbat with her, and we found ourselves running for our lives amidst smoke and explosions," Shalom recounted, expressing concern for her daughter living alone in a city that felt out of control.
Another Israeli, Raphael Ben Simon, who was in Paris, decided to cut his trip short due to the unrest. He characterized the protests as primarily pro-Palestinian and noted the disarray, with police struggling to manage the crowds. "It looked horrific," Ben Simon stated. "They said it was a student protest, but it was mainly a pro-Palestinian protest, nothing prepared me for this." He observed that while some businesses remained open, the metro was closed, and police actions were inefficient, at times forcing pedestrians to move with the protests. "We were trapped in the metro for a few hours until the police reopened it," he said, adding that while the atmosphere was unpleasant, he only witnessed fireworks and smoke bombs, not direct violence.
The protests, initially against the rising cost of living and deteriorating public services, saw approximately 1,200 arrests nationwide, according to Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. The French Interior Ministry reported around 550,000 participants, while the CGT union estimated 800,000. In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters who threw stones and fireworks. The riots resulted in burned vehicles, vandalized shops, and damaged banks, with the Mayor of Paris describing entire streets as destroyed.
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