Former French MP Describes 'Catastrophic' Riots, Looting

Former French parliament member Meir Habib described a dire situation in France amidst widespread riots and looting, stating that the country is facing a "catastrophic" state. Speaking on Kan Moreshet radio, Habib noted that images from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and other major cities reflect the reality on the ground, warning of extensive damage and fear among residents. "Not all of France is burning, but all the big cities are burning," he said, estimating the damage at hundreds of millions of euros, potentially reaching one billion. He highlighted that major retail chains and numerous shops have been looted, and the violence has escalated beyond protest to attacks on civilians and business owners.

Habib recounted incidents where elderly individuals were robbed during the unrest, with looters taking watches, shoes, and designer clothing, leaving them nearly naked. He also addressed the attacks on Jewish individuals and institutions, including synagogues and Jewish-owned stores, citing the burning of a Jewish-owned shoe store that had been established over decades. While emphasizing that the attacks are not limited to the Jewish community, Habib expressed concern for the safety of French Jews and warned that the escalating antisemitism, partly fueled by the far-left, could have severe consequences.

Criticizing President Emmanuel Macron's response, Habib stated that Macron left the country for foreign meetings instead of confronting the crisis. He questioned why authorities were not sufficiently utilizing available tools to combat the violence, such as enforcing measures against individuals concealing their faces during protests. Habib also touched upon the possibility of increased Jewish immigration to Israel, mentioning ongoing government discussions about special measures for French Jews and his own upcoming meeting with the Prime Minister. Despite his love for France, where he was born, Habib expressed uncertainty about its future as a safe haven for Jews, given its long Jewish history.

Concluding his remarks, Habib reiterated his grave assessment of the situation, urging both French leadership and authorities to address the crisis, which he believes requires attention beyond Israel's efforts against radical Islam.