Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Paris and cities across France on Sunday to show solidarity with the country’s Jewish community and condemn the rise in antisemitic acts since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7. The marches were organized by the leaders of the French Parliament’s Senate and National Assembly and were largely peaceful, with 3,000 police officers patrolling the route in Paris alone. The marches came a day after a large pro-Palestinian protest in London.
The tensions between Jewish and Muslim communities in France, especially in Paris, have been increasing following Hamas’s attack and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza. Over 1,240 antisemitic acts have been reported in France in the last month, including the painting of more than 200 Stars of David on buildings in Paris. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the resurgence of antisemitism in an open letter published in Le Parisien newspaper on Saturday.
The president of the Senate and the National Assembly leader stated that the march was not meant to be a political statement about the war, but rather an appeal for French citizens to demonstrate what France stands for. Former presidents, prime ministers, and cultural figures joined the march in Paris. However, the calls for unity also sparked political controversy, with accusations from the far-left France Unbowed party and the far-right National Rally. Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, who has a personal connection to the Holocaust, denounced the political posturing and reiterated the government’s support for the Jewish community.
The march took place under heavy security in Paris, with similar demonstrations in Strasbourg, Marseille, and Lyon. France has been on high alert for terrorist attacks, with increased security measures around synagogues and Jewish institutions. The government has also deployed thousands of police officers and soldiers to protect these sites. Although France has not witnessed large-scale pro-Palestinian marches like in other countries, antisemitic acts have been reported across the country.