Former French MP Warns of Rising Extremism, Predicts Major French Jewish Aliyah
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Former French MP Meir Habib described recent violent riots in France as causing hundreds of millions in damages and widespread looting. He noted that while the Jewish community was affected, the violence was not exclusively anti-Jewish. Habib criticized President Macron's response and warned of rising antisemitism, predicting a significant wave of French Jewish immigration to Israel. He is collaborating with the Israeli Prime Minister on a plan to facilitate this aliyah.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former French MP Meir Habib described widespread riots causing hundreds of millions in damages and looting across France.
- Habib stated that while Jewish businesses were targeted, the violence was not solely directed at the Jewish community.
- A synagogue in Paris was damaged, with religious items found discarded, increasing insecurity among French Jews.
- Habib criticized President Macron's response to the riots and warned of rising antisemitism in France.
- He predicts a significant wave of French Jewish immigration to Israel and is working on an aliyah program.
- Habib expressed concern over the spread of extreme Islam and violence in France.
Former French Member of Parliament Meir Habib described the violent riots that have engulfed France as a large-scale event causing hundreds of millions of euros in damages, with hundreds of police officers injured and numerous shops looted and destroyed. Habib stated that the violence, which began as civil unrest, has impacted many citizens, Jewish businesses, and French citizens of all backgrounds. He noted that in Marseille alone, tens of thousands participated in the riots, indicating a loss of control by authorities in certain areas.
While acknowledging that the Jewish community has been affected, Habib emphasized that the violence is not solely directed at Jews. He recounted instances of elderly French citizens being robbed and business owners witnessing the destruction of their life's work, including a Jewish sports shoe store owner who broke down in tears. Habib also mentioned targeted attacks on jewelry stores in Marseille but stressed that the overall violence is "mainly against France and against everyone."
A particularly concerning incident for Habib was the damage to a synagogue in Paris's 19th arrondissement, where tefillin and tallitot were found discarded. Although Torah scrolls were not damaged, Habib stated that the event, along with other acts of violence and looting, heightens the sense of insecurity among French Jews. He also noted that Jewish business owners in Paris suffered losses, with one jeweler reporting that while some display items were stolen, most valuables remained in the safe.
Habib sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of not grasping the severity of the situation and failing to act decisively. He suggested Macron should have remained in France to lead the response instead of attending a summit in the UAE. Habib also commented on the display of Palestinian flags during the riots, noting their prevalence over French flags in some areas, and linked this to Macron's past decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
Recalling the 2012 "Ozar HaTorah" school shooting in Toulouse, Habib stated he had warned about the broader implications of antisemitism and escalating violence even then, viewing attacks on Jews as a potential warning sign for society. He expressed concern about the rise of antisemitism, particularly from the far-left and within the French political system, and is working with the Israeli Prime Minister on a special program to facilitate the aliyah (immigration) of French Jews to Israel. Habib estimates a significant wave of immigration in the coming years, driven by many Jews considering leaving France due to the deteriorating security and social climate.
