French Minister Denounces Rise in Anti-Semitic Acts
Paris, France – August 9, 2024 – The French Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories, Gérald Darmanin, addressed the alarming surge in anti-Semitic acts across the country, stating that such incidents have almost tripled in the first half of the year. During the ceremony commemorating the 42nd anniversary of the attack on Rue des Rosiers, he revealed that 887 anti-Semitic incidents had been recorded in the first half of the year, compared to 304 during the same period in 2023.
“Anti-Semitism, which has always existed, is no longer hidden. It is an insult to the dead, the injured, the shame and our history,” Darmanin stated during the ceremony. He emphasized the urgency to address this escalating issue.
The minister’s remarks come in the wake of several high-profile attacks and incidents of verbal abuse targeting the Jewish community in France. He specifically referenced the recent terrorist attack in Israel, which sparked renewed concerns and fears of a potential escalation in anti-Semitic sentiment.
“We must not be afraid,” Darmanin concluded, echoing the sentiment of many other speakers at the ceremony. “From President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, America stands in solidarity with you.”
The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Doug Emhoff, husband of US Vice President Kamala Harris, who placed one of the wreaths and lit one of the six candles in memory of the victims.