Antisemitic Assault on Gilles Cohen in Yerres Sparks Outrage
A violent antisemitic attack on Gilles Cohen in Essonne raises community and political alarm.
- • Gilles Cohen, 67, assaulted while wearing a kippa in Yerres.
- • The attacker shouted antisemitic threats during the five-minute assault.
- • Political figures and community leaders condemned the violence, highlighting increasing antisemitic acts.
- • Statistics show a 112.5% increase in antisemitic acts in 2025 compared to the same period in 2023.
Key details
Gilles Cohen, a 67-year-old Jewish man wearing a kippa, was violently assaulted in Yerres, Essonne, on September 27. The attack followed Cohen's visit to a mikvé (Jewish ritual bath) and occurred at a bus stop, where he was ambushed and beaten for approximately five minutes. During the assault, the attacker shouted antisemitic slurs, including threats to kill Cohen, as he searched for money and keys to the synagogue. The assault left Cohen hospitalized with notable injuries, particularly to his right eye. According to reports, he is currently undergoing medical surveillance.
Community leaders have expressed shock and concern over the incident, which highlights the alarming trend of antisemitic violence in France. Ariel Goldmann, president of the Unified Jewish Social Fund, publicly condemned the attack and expressed support for Cohen on social media. Similarly, Benjamin Allouche, president of the Assembly of Jewish Communities of Essonne, shared that Cohen is deeply traumatized and is questioning the safety of the environment in which he lives.
Political figures also reacted strongly to the incident, emphasizing the clear antisemitic motivation behind the attack. Olivier Clodong, the mayor of Yerres, confirmed that the city's surveillance cameras are under review to aid in identifying the assailant, while Antoine Léaument, a deputy from Essonne, called for the perpetrator's apprehension and justice. The attack occurs amid a rising wave of antisemitism in France, particularly in light of increased tensions following the October 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel. Data from the first half of 2025 reveal a troubling landscape, with 646 antisemitic acts reported, marking a 112.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023, although this represents a decrease from the previous year.
The local and national responses underscore a growing alarm regarding the safety of the Jewish community, as leaders and citizens alike call for action against rising antisemitic violence.