CRIF SOUTH EAST OF FRANCE, "ACTS, NOT CONDEMNATIONS"

CRIF's local leader Jean-Luc Medina spoke of the "concerns, doubts and certainties" of the Jewish Community. "To condemn anti-Semitism is not enough; one must fight against it. The institutions of the French Republic have failed us several times recently. We are at a turning point," said Medina, "We expect the French authorities to act in a much stronger way against anti-Semitism."

Guest of Honor and keynote speaker François Bayrou, member of the National Assembly and President of the UDF party (majority) said he understood the concerns and worries expressed by Medina. Anti-Semitism is a "National injury" (blessure nationale), said Bayrou. He added he was in favor of the creation of a National Authority to combat anti-Semitism.

CRIF's President Roger Cukierman attended the dinner and explained CRIF's position on the Al-Manar issue. Prefect Michel Bart, representing the Government, praised Jean-Luc Medina for the quality of their working relations.