French Riots Expose Double Standards, Endanger Jews, Analyst Argues

Amidst the ongoing riots in France, author Ben Caspit criticizes the country's leadership for a domestic crisis and perceived hypocrisy on human rights. Caspit, writing for Maariv, argues that France's international image as a champion of freedom, equality, and fraternity clashes with the reality of looting, violence, and fear among its Jewish population during unrest. He contends that a nation lecturing others on conflict resolution is failing to protect its own citizens' property and security, marking a significant failure for President Emmanuel Macron and his administration.

While acknowledging that protests over issues like rising living costs might stem from genuine grievances, Caspit asserts that the descent into arson and looting betrays the protesters' cause. He dismisses justifications for such actions, stating that vandalism and attacks on police are not legitimate responses to societal problems. The author emphasizes the government's fundamental duty to balance the right to protest with the protection of citizens from violence.

The article highlights the disturbing targeting of Jews during the unrest, citing an incident where a synagogue in Paris was desecrated, with Torah scrolls and religious items thrown out. Caspit stresses the lack of any moral connection between the protesters' stated issues and the persecution of Jews, suggesting that when such a link is made, protests become a cover for antisemitism. He notes that French Jews are reportedly being asked to justify the actions of the Israeli government and military, recalling historical instances of antisemitism in France, such as the Dreyfus affair and the Vichy regime. The article cites 1,320 antisemitic incidents recorded in France in 2025 and an attack on a synagogue in La Grande-Motte that injured a police officer.

Caspit also addresses the issue of Islamism, criticizing the avoidance of discussing radical currents as a form of tolerance. He references a 2025 poll indicating a significant percentage of Muslims in France preferred religious norms over national law, with some favoring Sharia law. The author argues that the state must not allow its laws to become mere recommendations and that no area should be off-limits to police due to threats. He draws parallels with the UK, suggesting politicians fear losing Muslim voter support by softening their stance on extremism, which he believes also harms moderate Muslims.

Drawing historical parallels, Caspit recalls France's 1967 decision to impose an arms embargo on Israel before the Six-Day War, withholding ordered Mirage fighter jets. He also points to France's colonial past, including alleged torture and disappearances in Algeria, the 1961 Paris massacre of Algerian demonstrators, and the brutal suppression of a 1947 rebellion in Madagascar. He mentions the 1944 massacre of African soldiers in Senegal for demanding pay, which Macron acknowledged as a mass killing in 2024, albeit 80 years later.

Philosopher and writer Martin Boodry is quoted warning that the situation for Jews in France could become a precursor for similar experiences in other countries, as society allegedly abandons them and sides with their perceived persecutors. Boodry criticizes pro-Palestinian demonstrations, their slogans, and support for a Palestinian state, viewing them as a reward for the October 7th Hamas attack. He likens the situation to feeding a crocodile with Jewish flesh, believing it only emboldens the 'monster.' Caspit concludes that France is paying for the arrogance of its political leadership, where human rights have been subordinated to power interests. He calls for France to acknowledge its own responsibilities and give victims a more dignified place before acting as a global moral arbiter, and urges a re-evaluation of Palestinian terrorist groups' actions.