By Laurent Fabius and Bernard Cazeneuve, published in the New York Times July 10, 2014
Few democratic societies are as rich in populations of diverse origins as France’s. This is one of the many traits France shares with the United States. Both are countries of immigrants where citizenship is universal and does not depend on one’s ethnic or religious origins.
France, like other countries of the European Union, suffers from so-called “violent radical engagement,” whereby its citizens have been known to join militant activists abroad. One prime example of this phenomenon is French youth departing to Syria to join that country’s militant groups. This engagement of civilians in insurgent areas "in the name of the ummah" (community) is not a new occurrence, as French citizens have already taken part in the conflicts in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Iraq, similarly in the name of jihad.
As long as European authorities fail to take drastic measures against anti-Israel instigators, murderous attacks on Jews will only increase.
It was only a matter of time. The writing – or, to be more precise, the writings – has been on the wall for years. And not just in Europe. I would even dare say that, surprisingly, there have only been a few murderous attacks against Jews or Jewish institutions.
Nowhere is the crisis of modernity felt more acutely than in France where for a quarter-century now globalization has brought moroseness and mistrust on an epic scale. Uneasy with capitalism, uncomfortable with flexibility, unpersuaded by the so-called Anglo-Saxon model, France has retreated into its rancor. Immigrants and openness have constituted threat more than possibility.
The shared fear of Muslims has not yet led major Jewish organizations to lift their boycotts against dubious politicians in far-right parties.
The investigation of Sunday’s shooting at the Jewish Museum in Brussel is still ongoing, and assessments regarding the motive are varied, but Belgian authorities say the attack, which is being investigated as a terror incident, has anti-Semitic characteristics.
During these high-level meetings, Mr. Lauder articulated the profound concerns of global Jewry regarding the plight of Israeli hostages in Gaza, seeking the influential intervention of the Arab leaders to secure their unconditional release.
Crif presents the main results of a survey carried out by IFOP on "Attitudes of French people towards Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict following the terrorist attacks of October 7". A number of key points emerge from the survey, including the support of a majority of French people for Israel's desire to eliminate Hamas. The poll also shows that the French fear the conflict could be imported into France.
On Tuesday October 24, Special envoys and coordinators for the fight against antisemitism met in Paris under the aegis of the World Jewish Congress, the European Commission and UNESCO.
Following the Hamas attack in Israel, Crif has called for a rally of support for the Israeli people. On October 9, 35,000 people gathered to express their solidarity with the Israeli people and to pay their respects.
"Above and beyond any geopolitical considerations, let us first affirm our solidarity with these Armenian families led to the roads of exodus and torn from the history and geography of their roots."
As every year, Crif organizes its National Convention with the participation of political figures, intellectuals, researchers and academics, leaders of civil society, journalists, artists. A day punctuated by conferences, round tables, debates and plenaries.