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.
After two years of the pandemic, a Crif delegation traveled to Israel at the beginning of November 2021 for a week of meetings and official trips. During this week, the Crif delegation had the chance to meet with H.E. Ms. Yaël German, Ambassador-designate of Israel in France. As well as the President of the State of Israel, Itzhak Herzog, Yair Lapid, Deputy Prime Minister, Israeli Foreign Minister and Nachman Shay, Minister of Diaspora.
Chile is today in the news because of the election of new president Gabriel Boric, which made antizionist declarations. Crif interviewed Mr. Gerardo Gorodischer, President of the Jewish community in Chile, on the consequences of the election for the Jewish community in the country.
A few weeks ago, Crif and JuFo DIG, a german organization promoting Israel, discussed over an InstaLive on the following topic: "The Mireille Knoll trial and the current state of antisemitism in France"
For its eleventh edition, the National Convention of Crif has offered various conferences and round tables. One of the highlights of the last plenary session was the video message from the President of the State of Israel, Itzhak Herzog.
In July 2022, we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Vel d'Hiv roundup. On this occasion, Crif has imagined a very exceptional project: an exhibition of photographic portraits of French Holocaust survivors on the gates of the Jardin du Luxembourg. An extraordinary adventure that begins with the meeting of 42 stories and 42 fates, all over France.
On the eve of 5782, Crif expresses the wish to see this new year unfold in safety and serenity for all French Jews. We hope to be able to share many happy moments together, and - in the face of the important challenges that await us - to count on the mobilization and commitment of everyone.