New UEJF President Léa Hanoune Vows to Combat Silence on Antisemitism
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Léa Hanoune, the new president of the Union des étudiants juifs de France (UEJF), is committed to combating antisemitism and ensuring Jewish students are not silenced. Following the October 7th attacks, the UEJF has seen increased student engagement and Hanoune is focused on fostering dialogue while advocating for Jewish students' rights. She has criticized certain political groups for their stance on antisemitism and urged the public to speak out against it. Hanoune, an attorney, credits the UEJF with her most significant personal and professional development.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Léa Hanoune, new UEJF president, aims to end silence on antisemitism for Jewish students.
- The October 7th attacks spurred an "identity and militant awakening" among French Jewish students.
- UEJF is organizing rallies, supporting students, and expanding its reach across France.
- Hanoune criticizes political groups, including La France Insoumise, for threats to Jewish students.
- She urges the public to speak out against antisemitism, stating "fear must change camps."
- Hanoune, an attorney, views her UEJF experience as her most formative.
- The organization engages in dialogue and educational outreach to combat prejudice.
Léa Hanoune, who as a middle schooler spoke out against a classmate's refusal to observe a moment of silence for victims of the Ozar Hatorah school shooting, is now the president of the Union des étudiants juifs de France (UEJF). She took office in June and is committed to ensuring Jewish students are not silenced, particularly in the wake of the October 7th Hamas attacks.
Raised in Nice, Hanoune was involved in Jewish scouting and pursued higher education in Paris, studying at Sciences Po and the Sorbonne. She found it challenging to reconcile her Jewish identity with her desire to engage in activism until the antisemitic murder of Mireille Knoll in 2018, which galvanized her. After a period of study in Sydney, she returned to Paris and found a sense of belonging and purpose within the UEJF, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when the organization provided housing support for isolated students.
Hanoune quickly became involved in the UEJF, serving as treasurer and later head of press relations under former president Samuel Lejoyeux. Following the October 7th attacks, she described it as an "identity and militant awakening" for Jewish students. The UEJF responded by organizing rallies, addressing media inquiries, and supporting students facing antisemitic remarks and threats on campuses across France. The organization has seen a surge in student engagement, leading to the establishment of new chapters in various cities and educational institutions.
As president, Hanoune emphasizes the importance of dialogue and outreach, stating that Jewish students want to live their identity and study in good conditions without withdrawing. The UEJF actively engages with anti-racist groups and hosts events featuring survivors of the Nova festival attack to educate non-Jewish students. Hanoune also highlighted the ongoing need for awareness campaigns, noting that some students are still unaware of the extent of antisemitism, with some even questioning if Jews still live in France.
Hanoune has been critical of political groups, labeling La France Insoumise a "huge threat" to Jewish students and accusing parts of the far-left of targeting Zionist students. She also stated that the far-right remains a threat, having not broken with its historical antisemitism. Her primary message is to the "silent majority," urging them to speak out and defend Jewish students, asserting that "fear must change camps." Hanoune, now an attorney specializing in international law, considers her experience at the UEJF her most significant training, equipping her with the skills to organize, persuade, and advocate for student concerns.