French Jews Fear Escalating Unrest Amidst Protests

Yitzhak Bar Shoshan, president of the Mizrahi movement in France, describes a pervasive atmosphere of fear among French Jews, impacting daily life and business operations. He notes that ordinary citizens are hesitant to go to work, open their businesses, or even shop, attributing this to a deep crisis in France encompassing economic, social, and political dimensions, alongside a breakdown of trust between the public and the government. Bar Shoshan observes that while protests and violence have occurred in recent years, the current situation feels particularly concerning, with little reason for optimism.

The protests, initially sparked by issues like the cost of living, teacher shortages, and classroom conditions, have become increasingly intertwined with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Bar Shoshan highlights that while not the majority, pro-Palestinian demonstrators, often seen waving Palestinian flags more than French ones, contribute to a sense of insecurity. He recounts reports from Marseille of Jewish-owned shops being vandalized while nearby Muslim-owned businesses remained untouched, though he cautions against definitively labeling these as anti-Jewish attacks.

However, other signs suggest a more direct link to anti-Jewish sentiment. Bar Shoshan points to protest signs that read, "Don't throw gas at us, we are not Jews," illustrating how easily Jewish communities can become entangled in unrelated unrest. He feels that the Jewish community is consistently caught in the middle of various conflicts, and the increasing presence of Palestinian flags symbolizes a broader protest and identification with the perceived oppressed.

Bar Shoshan expresses disappointment with President Macron's response, stating he has not heard the decisiveness he hoped for to restore security. Despite the anxieties, French Jews are striving to maintain normalcy by continuing to work, send children to school, and attend synagogue, albeit with heightened security measures and a constant sense of uncertainty. He notes that many in France fail to grasp the connection between street violence and hostility towards Israel, and the desire by some protesters for Israel's destruction.

Amidst the challenges, Bar Shoshan finds a glimmer of hope in the rise of the French right-wing, led by figures like Marine Le Pen. He believes this political shift offers some reassurance, as the right is currently the only political force publicly condemning antisemitism and understanding that Jews and Israel are part of the solution, not the problem. However, he acknowledges that the path from electoral strength to restoring street security remains uncertain, leaving the community to navigate a volatile reality with apprehension about the future.