Israelis Caught in Violent French Riots, Synagogue Vandalized
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Israelis in France were caught in violent riots and protests that have swept the country, with some reporting fear and anti-Israeli sentiment. In Montpellier, an Israeli mother and daughter were caught in tear gas and fires during a large demonstration. In Paris, a synagogue was vandalized, and Israelis reported looting and disruptions. The protests, initially about education, grew to hundreds of thousands nationwide, leading to arrests and injuries.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israelis in France experienced fear and anti-Israeli sentiment amidst widespread riots and violence.
- An Israeli mother and daughter were caught in tear gas and fires in Montpellier.
- A synagogue in Paris was vandalized, with Torah scrolls desecrated.
- Protests escalated nationwide, involving hundreds of thousands of people.
- The riots led to looting, property damage, and clashes with police.
Israelis visiting and residing in France found themselves caught in the midst of widespread riots and violence across the country, reporting fear and anti-Israeli and pro-Palestinian sentiments. Yifat Shalom, visiting her 18-year-old daughter Zoe, a member of France's rhythmic gymnastics team, was in Montpellier when they were caught in a large protest in the central Comedy Square. Shalom described the scene as intense, with thousands of Palestinian flags, masked individuals, and a charged atmosphere where police presence was minimal. While attempting to bypass the crowd through an underpass, they were engulfed by thick tear gas and witnessed fires spreading rapidly.
In Paris, a synagogue in the 19th arrondissement was vandalized overnight. The Ark of the Covenant was broken into, Torah scrolls were thrown, and prayer shawls and phylacteries were desecrated, though the scrolls themselves were not severely damaged. Sasha Roitman, CEO of the Combat Against Anti-Semitism Movement (CAM), condemned the act, calling it a clear warning sign. Other Israelis in Paris reported widespread looting, broken shop windows, and disruptions to public transportation.
Rafael Ben Simon, an Israeli who cut his trip short, described the atmosphere as shocking and disturbing, feeling like a minority. The protests, which began as a student demonstration over educational conditions, escalated into a nationwide day of anger with hundreds of thousands participating. The French Interior Ministry reported approximately 550,000 participants, while organizers estimated around 800,000. The riots involved the burning of a historic town hall in Limoges, looting in major cities, and attacks on police officers.
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