French Jews Face Rising Antisemitism Amidst Unrest, Author Warns

Amidst widespread riots in France, author Ben Bassat has criticized the country's leadership for a domestic crisis and perceived double standards on human rights. Bassat argues that France's international image as a champion of liberty, equality, and fraternity is contradicted by the current reality of looting, violence, and fear among its Jewish population. He contends that the state, which lectures other nations on conflict resolution, is failing to protect its own citizens and their property, labeling it a failure of both governance and President Emmanuel Macron's administration.

While acknowledging that protests over issues like rising living costs might stem from genuine grievances, Bassat asserts that the escalation to arson and looting betrays the protesters' cause. He dismisses justifications for such violence, stating that property destruction or attacks on police are not legitimate forms of protest. Bassat highlights the desecration of a Paris synagogue, where Torah scrolls were reportedly removed from an ark and religious items discarded, questioning why Jews are disproportionately affected by the unrest. He emphasizes that there is no moral link between student issues and attacks on Jews, and that such connections often mask antisemitism.

Bassat notes that French Jews are increasingly being held responsible for the actions of the Israeli government and IDF, recalling historical instances of antisemitism in France like the Dreyfus affair and the Vichy regime. He cites a reported 1,320 antisemitic incidents in France in 2025 and an attack on a synagogue in La Grande-Motte that injured a police officer. The author calls for national introspection, suggesting that the need for constant security at Jewish institutions indicates state failure. He also addresses the issue of Islamism, criticizing the avoidance of discussing radical currents and referencing a 2025 survey where a significant percentage of Muslims reportedly favored religious over national law.

Drawing parallels with the UK, Bassat accuses French politicians of fearing the loss of Muslim voter support, leading them to compromise principles for electoral gain. He believes this compromises the future of the country and marks Macron's presidency as a period of political failure. Bassat also references historical French actions, such as the 1967 arms embargo against Israel and the non-delivery of Mirage fighter jets, as examples of political expediency undermining trust. He further critiques France's colonial past, citing instances of torture and violence in Algeria, Madagascar, and Senegal, suggesting that France's own history disqualifies it from acting as an impartial moral arbiter.

Philosopher and writer Martin Baudry is quoted warning that the situation for Jews in France could become a reality for Jews in many countries, as society allegedly abandons them. Baudry criticizes pro-Palestinian demonstrations for their slogans and support of a Palestinian state, viewing it as a reward for the October 7th Hamas attack. He likens the situation to feeding a crocodile with Jewish flesh, believing it only emboldens hatred. Bassat concludes that France is paying for its leadership's arrogance, where human rights have been subordinated to power interests. He urges French leaders to acknowledge their responsibility, open archives, and give victims due recognition before lecturing the world, and calls for a re-evaluation of Palestinian terrorist groups' actions.