Jewish Australian Tourists Face Antisemitic Attack in France During Vacation

A Jewish Australian couple experienced a disturbing antisemitic incident while vacationing in southeastern France earlier this month. According to reports, the couple was speaking with an Irish tourist nicknamed "Paddy" in a supermarket when the conversation, initially friendly and about football, turned hostile. The conflict escalated after the woman mentioned her husband's refusal to wear an Irish football jersey due to Ireland's political stance on Israel. The Irish tourist then directed severe antisemitic threats at them, including the chilling remark, "It's a pity Hitler didn't finish the job." The woman began recording the encounter, capturing the man threatening, "Get away from me before I put a bullet in your head."

The video of the incident circulated widely online, prompting strong condemnation from French officials. Aurélie Barège, the Minister for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination, described the footage as revealing a "chilling and unacceptable level of violence," emphasizing that France will not tolerate antisemitism or hatred. Serge Pépin, Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, also denounced the attack, affirming that France is welcoming to visitors of all nationalities and religions and that no tourist should face threats or discrimination. It remains unclear if French police have opened an investigation, though authorities have been notified.

The Australian Jewish Association, which released the video last week, stated that the couple is understandably shaken but in good condition. Its president, Robert Gregory, called for urgent investigation and stressed the seriousness of antisemitic threats. This incident adds to growing concerns among Jewish organizations about rising antisemitism targeting Jewish tourists across Europe, even where they are not visibly identified as Israelis but simply as tourists.