Political Silence Following Violent Attack on Rabbi in Neuilly-sur-Seine
A rabbi was violently attacked in Neuilly-sur-Seine, raising concerns about political silence on antisemitism.
Key Points
- • Rabbi attacked in Neuilly-sur-Seine, struck with a chair.
- • François Bayrou condemns the attack, calls for no tolerance of hatred.
- • Limited political reactions highlight societal issues with antisemitism.
- • Concern grows over the rising levels of antisemitism in France.
A rabbi was violently attacked in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris, on June 6, 2025, in an incident that is being viewed as part of a worrying rise in antisemitism in France. The assailant struck the rabbi multiple times with a chair, prompting condemnation from some political figures, but overall, reactions have been limited, raising concerns about the societal response to such hate crimes.
François Bayrou, a leading political figure, was one of the few to publicly denounce the attack, calling it 'odious.' He emphasized the necessity for political leaders to show "no weakness in the face of hatred against fellow citizens." Bayrou’s statements highlighted the urgency for collective action against these types of violent acts, yet his voice stands out amidst a backdrop of relative political silence.
The attack has sparked significant discussions about increasing antisemitism in France, with calls for stronger societal and political measures to confront this growing issue. Critics have pointed out the sparse responses from various leaders and lawmakers, suggesting that the lack of immediate and widespread condemnation could signal a troubling tolerance towards such violence.
Past incidents of antisemitism in the country have led to heightened vigilance, but the repeated occurrences raise questions regarding the effectiveness of current strategies and policies. Many community members have expressed frustration over the insufficient political discourse around these themes, pressing for more robust and united opposition to hate crimes.
The disabling nature of this attack has left the Jewish community in Neuilly-sur-Seine, and across France, feeling vulnerable as they seek reassurances that such violence will not be tolerated.
Moving forward, the expectation is for political leaders to respond more decisively, reflecting the gravity of the situation and providing the Jewish community with the support it demands against ongoing antisemitic threats.